The Chastity Issue by novice

The following anthology contains material that may be inappropriate or offensive to some audience. Reader discretion is advised.

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Allen Esteban

CONTENT EDITOR

Freniel Austria

ONLINE & COMMUNICATIONS EDITOR

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LITERARY EDITOR

Brent Jericko Narciso ART EDITOR

Marc Oliver Fernandez GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Ninotchka Arreola WRITER

Justine Mae Caringal NOVICE PUBLISHING 14 B3 M. H. del Pilar St., San Nicolas, Pasig City 1600 0966-981-8528 | (02) 7000-0311 novicemagazineph@gmail.com

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When a man is caught in trouble, he is expected to retort and show dominance rather than respect boundaries. While an aggrieved woman is an object of attack, she needs to submit or else be blamed for boundary violations. It’s far more different for queers, whose very existence is often seen as a social deviation, a rebellion on its own. Filipinos consider sex conversations as taboo, yet most of us have already a perception of who we are, how we act, what we can do—more of what we can’t do. The human frailty of fabricating what should be acceptable or not is etched on our consciousness to protect the believed ‘purity’ of the soul. In the hopes of creating a space that is safe and progressive, our fifth special issue delves into the depictions of gender and sexualities with an awakened sense of the human nature and form, liberated from the shackles of the ill-defined social norms and principles on this subject.

Chastity seeks to serve as a platform for examining our present understanding on gender performatives and spectrums and bringing to light the surrounding challenges and controversies. The depth of how our preconceived judgments and opinions can influence our acceptance of sexual concepts are put to test. Various artworks representing love, desire, and sexual exuberance push the possibilities for more inclusive identities. They also raise concerns on the appropriate sexual relationship and behavior with the implications of the digital divide and online violence. Further, the frustrations and sorrow wrought by our sexual odysseys are explored as personal reflections. But it is only through dialogues and engagements in our own communities that we realize how our differences can bring us together. Until then, this issue disquiets and disturbs our vow for chastity—not the abstinence of sexual affairs—a fear of the influence that comes with ideas that expand rather than direct our values and moral understanding.

Keepcreating!

Ambivertgeek Ambivertgeek is not afraid to join the conversation on the viscerous and radical pursuits of eroticism in art. This illustrator and visual artist pushes the boundary of his craft by exploring the concepts of sexual mores and proclivities. In an interview with Isagani, a fellow erotic artist, he dissects the often regarded immoral and obscene exterior of human sexuality. Interview by Isagani

Artworks courtesy of the subject

Isagani paints naughty boys inspired by queer men of Asia and the Philippines. His art aims to explore his personal kinks and fetishes, and destigmatize eroticism in visual art.

ON FETISHES, KINKS, FANTASIES, AND STIGMA SURROUNDING THEM

fetishes, and fantasies that you want to live out and or depict in your artworks?

Isagani: Do you have any sort of fetishes, kinks, and sexual fantasies? Can you share them with us?

A: I’m very open about it now. I think creating erotic art helped me embrace my sexual fantasies and desires. But I’m also quite a private and secretive person, so I don’t share it often unless asked. Although I believe that conversation about sex is also important.

Ambivertgeek: A few of my kinks include dominance, role play, and voyeurism. If you happen to follow my work way back 2018 up to now, these subjects appear often. I: Do you ever feel shy about sharing your kinks,

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I: There are fantasies that can easily be deemed as problematic by those who don’t fully understand

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them such as rape fantasies, incest, and daddy/little boy dynamic. These fantasies are also common themes in erotic artworks. What is your stance about this? A: First of all, it’s extremely important to note that while rape fantasies are common, this doesn’t mean some people secretly wanted to be raped, same goes with other fantasies. There’s a huge difference between imagining scenarios or role-play, and reallife experiences. And no matter how common these fantasies are, there is no way it can justify unwanted sexual contact of any nature. It’s your personal safe space. Thinking about certain sexual scenarios doesn’t mean you necessarily want them to happen. They’re naturally part of being a sexual person. Fantasies are just another way to express your unconscious desires. I: This is very much true. There is so much more to our kinks and fantasies than what meets the eye. And we should not be ashamed to have them. In fact, I think it’s much healthier to acknowledge and embrace them. I have met numerous artists online that create art involving kinks and fantasies to heal from their traumas. There’s this particular artist on twitter who is a survivor of an incestuous sexual abuse. According to them, their art has been their most cathartic outlet. Before, they were having issues even talking about things with their therapist. But through their erotic art, they were able to release painful memories, and rewrite them using their own power. It’s quite unfortunate that most people have poor understanding and have myopic views when it comes to these things. But I guess that’s where the beauty of erotic art lies. It has the ability to shed light on topics that are stigmatized, demonized, and weaponized against us. ON CONSENT I: You’ve mentioned on your Instagram story that your works are mostly a mixture of fantasies and experiences. Do the people you’ve had these experiences know that you’re creating artworks from your sexual encounters? Do you ask consent from these people? If yes, how and why is it important for

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you to ask consent from your subjects? A: My works are usually not about a specific person but the moment itself. It may have influenced the concept but it’s more like describing the feelings that transpired during those moments and not the persons involved. It’s neutral, that’s why I try not to associate myself too much with the work so that the audience can make it theirs. On the other hand, subjects that I come across on social media are different because I always have to ask permission when I want to base an artwork on them. It’s a common courtesy. I: Also, in one of your Q&As on your Instagram stories, you’ve answered a question about accepting unsolicited NSFW as “references” for your artworks. How do you handle people who send you these photos? Do you respond to them? A: It’s actually overwhelming at first because honestly, it’s new to me since it’s totally different from what I usually do. But I’ve come to realize that maybe that’s part of being an erotic artist. Somehow my works can trigger memories and urge as it feeds their fantasies. So it’s not surprising that I would often receive unsolicited NSFW images from people who want to be referenced in my work or even just something random. Although I don't think it's acceptable to randomly send NSFW images even though we're presenting this type of work. I: I’m glad you made it clear that you somehow don’t mind it as much as the first time now. But I guess it’s also important for these people to be mindful of what they are sending. We may be drawing nude and sexually suggestive scenes but the audience also has to understand that it’s not a free pass to send unsolicited nude pictures because not all artists are comfortable with it. Otherwise, it might be a downright harassment that’s punishable by law. Also, if they really wanted to be drawn or depicted in any way, they might as well pay us, right? (laughs) ON BURNOUT I: Do you experience burnouts in making artworks? A: So far, in my three years of making erotic art, I haven’t experienced any episodes yet. Maybe because

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I don’t take commissions which can put too much pressure on myself. I just create and share my work whenever I want at my own pace and I want to have fun with it because the last thing I want Ambivertgeek to be is to make it feel like it's a job.

preference towards fit and hyper masculine guys over other body types and expressions which sometimes manifests in my work. But it’s something that I patiently try to break because I know it takes time, as with most behavioral changes.

I: Are you pressured to produce more artwork due to people’s shortened attention span in social media?

I: I’m sure a lot of people can totally relate with what you have just said, including me. The unrealistic beauty standards have affected all of us in one way or another. Because of this, it’s sometimes hard to see ourselves as beautiful and worthy of being depicted in an art that supposedly depicts the beautifully diverse human body and sexuality. I am guilty of having biases too, and I totally agree with what you said about shedding off these biases. It takes time and a lot of proactive effort from all of us. I am personally grateful to some of our fellow erotic artists (such as @felixdeonart) for constantly doing just that.

A: No. I mean, when I created Ambivertgeek, I had no expectations at all, like it shouldn’t have been the way it is right now and honestly, it’s just an alter account that unexpectedly gained attention. Three years ago, I had no idea I was going to keep drawing what I draw today. The way I handle it is that once I put out a work I always move on to the next. So whether it gets traction or not, it doesn’t really matter for me. Also, one of the reasons why I don’t feel too much pressure, is that my Ambivertgeek “stuff” is basically just on the side, it’s an extension of myself, personal outlet of my unconscious fantasies and desires for which I think I wouldn’t be able to put out using my real identity. I: Got it. But at some point we've all experienced burn outs, how did you handle it? A: I do other things, something creative not related to what I normally do. I take short breaks, meet with my friends who have various creative backgrounds to see things from a different perspective. I’m also lucky to be surrounded by nature, it’s one of the perks living outside the metro. ON IMPLICIT BIASES I: On an individual level, we all have implicit biases. These are assumptions, stereotypes, and unintentional actions we make towards others based on identity labels. Implicit biases are stored in our subconsciousness—where we do 98% of our thinking. Unfortunately, this means that our biases can manifest in the artworks that we create. One way to prevent this from happening is by recognizing our own biases, and identifying moments where we can change the way we see and interact with others. What are your biases with regards to body types, expression, ethnicity, etc.? A: As someone who has a lot of insecurities growing up as a lanky dude, I tend to have an automatic

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As artists dealing with sex, body, identity, and intimacy, do you feel like you have this sense of obligation to produce artworks that’s more inclusive despite it clashing with your “preferences”? A: I think that diversity and inclusion should come naturally, especially in the type of art that we're in where body, race, and expression are heavily depicted, or else it would just seem too forced and could get offensive. The last thing I want to do is badly represent a group for the sake of having diversity in my work. I also don’t think the audience should pressure artists to produce specific work, nor should artists pressure themselves to produce work for representation out of fear. Nevertheless, it is our obligation as creatives to keep educating ourselves, widen our perspective and see things outside our preferences. I: That perfectly makes sense! Because to be honest, it really is refreshing to see the younger generation being more inclusive and open-minded. But just like what you have said, it has to come from a place of love and sincerity. Otherwise, it’ll just come off as pretentious and performative. What’s important is we, as artists, are acknowledging our biases and working bit by bit to shed them off. ON CANCEL CULTURE I: Have you ever experienced getting called out for doing erotic artworks?

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"Eroticism is more than just sexuality as it evokes layers of emotion."

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A: Well Ambivertgeek is sort of anonymous to make it less about the artist and more on the creative work. I created it as a different artist but still an extension of myself to separate the erotic art from what I really do for a living as a designer—it’s an artist on its own. So I was never called out for making this type of work. I: Are you afraid that you might get called out for depicting certain scenes in your art? A: No. I mean, that’s what constructive criticism is for, to educate. But as my audience gets wider, it has become a responsibility to be mindful of what to put out there as certain things are easily misinterpreted. But at the same time, they help create discussions which are also important.

perspective in other art practices and themes. It helped me discover and interact with artists outside my zone— 4nclru, thekinkblot, dandampas, hommeofphobia, isagani, kabutite, and patsu.x to name a few. I: Awww... thank you for including me in your list! It’s deeply flattering considering that you have been doing erotic artworks longer than I do and you are actually one the first local artists that I look up too! And it’s interesting how we almost have the same people in our list! What is the importance of erotic artworks on a personal level, and in society as a whole? A: To be united with oneself. Owning your sexuality.

A: If you know me personally or someone that’s familiar with my work, erotic art is really something that you would least expect from me. But so far, people I know, especially my friends have been very supportive of my erotic works. I mean, sex and eroticism are universally enticing subjects. It’s practically given that people would have different concept on how they view erotic art and you won’t be satisfying everyone else. The art itself creates a discussion which is also an important part of understanding things.

Eroticism is more than just sexuality as it evokes layers of emotion. There’s a lot of nudity and sexual action in my work but it’s often portrayed in a way that it describes a moment in the past, like a remembrance of a memory, which makes it less sexual—passionate and sensual, it gives me pleasure stimulating my audience’s imagination. But I’m a very sexual person and I have a lot of insecurities that manifests in some of my work. In a way, it helps me feel empowered by allowing myself to tap into these sexual and emotional vulnerabilities. By inviting ourselves to explore these different experiences around our senses, it simply gives us permission to enjoy our own company, making peace with our bodies.

BONUS Qs

I: What is your advice to aspiring erotic artists out there?

I: Can you name some of the artists that you look up to?

A: I don’t think I can give proper advice on that since I also still consider myself as an aspiring erotic artist. But one of the few things I learned about making erotic art is that it always starts with the source—our self. Allow yourself to explore these sexual fantasies and desires without shame. Celebrate your sexuality and embrace these energies as it can be empowering—emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

I: How do you deal with people not understanding your erotic artworks or eroticism in art in general?

A: Locally, darlingkink. She’s one of the few reasons I got interested in putting out gay erotic art. I admire her courage, her confidence in her sexuality. She is such a great advocate for women empowerment. I was a bit hesitant putting out Ambivertgeek but seeing her unapologetically express herself through her work inspired me a lot. Pascal Campion also had so much influence in my work. His works are wonderfully relatable. There’s a certain tenderness and vulnerability in it. He’s such a great storyteller and his enchanting illustrations exude so much emotion. Also, I wanted to list some artists with works that I admire. Ambivertgeek actually helped me widen my

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I: Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, experience, and knowledge to us, Ambivertgeek! As your fellow erotic artist, I have learned a lot from your wisdom. You made me realize things that I would have never even thought of if we didn’t have this interview. And I am sure that whoever reads this conversation, they will learn a lot too! N

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Ron Mariñas Interview by Neal Cortez

Text by Justine Mae Caringal

Photo and artworks courtesy of the subject

Neal Cortez aka Astro Doi, is a multimedia artist from Pampanga. He plays with personal experiences and social issues on his craft. His life motto is "what seems hard today is easy tomorrow"—it's hope.

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Gold, as the Incans believed, were the sweat of the sun god Inti, the most sacred of their deities. This precious metal that has compelled explorers, determined civilizations, and dominated the world’s economy is a symbol of extravagance, grandeur, and excellence. History is filled with gold marks, especially in art. From ancient gold coins and jewelry to Egyptian statues made of gold alloys to gold leaves used in Islamic manuscripts, Renaissance paintings, and even Klimt’s portraits. The shine, luster, and enticement of gold remains unchanged. For symbolist painter Ron Mariñas, he uses gold to evoke hope in his pieces. Inspired by Idealism and Modern Rococo, gold is a salient element in Ron’s work. Bright, cheerful, and full of hope in contrast to somber, traditional, and tragic. The warm golden sheen in his paintings is a paradox. His depictions of the human body are intricate and dramatic which are further emphasized by his gold based palette, making his pieces timelessly elegant. And if art is nothing without emotion then Ron’s paintings are pure art. In an interview by multimedia artist Neal Cortez aka Astro Doi, get to know Ron and immerse yourself in his journey as he shares his beginnings and how he’s opened up to the world through his art. ***

Neal Cortez: Hello Ron! I'm happy to have the chance to interview you. I am a fan of work! First, tell us your story. When did you start painting or drawing? Do you have formal training? Ron Mariñas: Thanks Neal! Growing up, I’ve always been so artistic to the point that I would always get in trouble at school for not paying attention in class. I would always be caught drawing in class that they even had to call my parents for it. That was how I knew I was passionate about art even at a young age. But I only started painting when I was in college. I took up Fine Arts major in painting at the University of Santo Tomas. It is where I was honed and fell in love with painting that I immediately had to enroll myself in graduate school to broaden my knowledge about art. NC: That's cool! At an early age, you really know what you want. And you worked hard for it. You are really destined to be where you are right now. Well, we see a huge influence of classical art on your pieces, how do you describe your art? RM: Most critics described it as Modern Rococo, a classical movement with a touch of modern art and

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concept. Every artist has his own style and technique in creating projects even if some use the same influences such as classical art. For the audience, it has mostly been described as relatable art and for me, it is Idealism, Modern Rococo. NC: On one online art website, you were tagged as a symbolist painter. What inspires you the most when making a piece? Do you always make a piece to portray a story? RM: Absolutely! Whenever I make art, I always make sure that it is meaningful. It is important for me to use this platform to tell a good story. I believe that painting is not just about the strokes of colors on a canvas. It is so much more than that. Every line, every curve, every shape has its own meaning. The beauty of art is that people can interpret it in their own ways and that is why I make sure that when I conceptualize my artworks, I intend for each of it to be timeless. I am a very private person who opts not to be an open book but as an artist, my paintings are like my journal entries. I treat every project as my diary where I tell stories and express my pent up emotions. Moreover, it is through my passion in art that I get to express myself freely.

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"My advocacy is regardless of the images I paint. I am a firm believer that every healthy body is acceptable and it's an ideal body no matter what the size or shape may be, for each has its own beauty."

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NC: Most of your artworks were painted with a gold palette, so royal and sophisticated. What does this color mean to you?

pieces have to be the ones where I told stories about the contrast of the lavish and challenging lives in our country.

RM: Gold has always been my favorite color and I’m glad that I can use that to attract people’s attention. As a symbolist, I also use color theories in my work. Gold symbolizes royalty, strength, power, courage, passion, elegance, wisdom, and love. Furthermore, since gold is the dominant color I use in my paintings, no matter how tragic or negative the images may seem, this color of strength and power somehow sends a message of hope and success.

What I have not explored yet is painting children which I am also open to doing someday. After all, it is just my second year in the industry and there are still a lot of avenues and techniques that I’m very excited to learn about and explore.

NC: Now we all know why gold is very prominent in your pieces. Now, we want to know what’s the most exciting part of your painting process? RM: It is important for artists to be patient and since it is ironic that I am the opposite, I get excited whenever the artwork is almost done. It’s simply because it is only then that I can finally see the vision I have been eagerly thinking of from the beginning. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy every bit of the process but the satisfaction that I get once I have completed a project gives me a different feeling. Especially when I see the audience and my clients appreciating my artworks. Being able to give joy through my art is one of the best feelings that is priceless. NC: It is evident that most of your pieces incorporate European or western features. Do you have any other ethnicity in mind that you’d like to try? RM: I get this question a lot and honestly, it bothers me because most local viewers deliver this question in a presumptuous way. Filipino artists always paint Filipino subjects and they want me to be like most artists’ way back during my early years in the industry. But yes, last year most of my subjects that were displayed in public were old Europeans because they are highly inspired by the old Renaissance and Rococo concepts. Although my subjects have never been limited, I have painted different ethnicities such as Asians, Latins, and POC several times but I just simply do not post them as often. As a Filipino artist, I make it a point that I still get to incorporate snippets from our culture. Even if most of my projects have European subjects, some of my most memorable art

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NC: Does your art reflect your idea of an acceptable or ideal body? If not, what’s your ideal body type? RM: It is apparent that most of my subjects are either fit or jacked and it is that way for loads of reasons. One of them is it gives off the old Renaissance aura as well as it adds more emotions and drama. The challenge that I get from painting every detail of each muscle is somehow therapeutic for me. I think it is because painting women’s figures is slightly different. It is smoother in strokes and much more plain in texture and for me mentally, that is not enough. Personally, my ideal body type is the body that I am in, a tall, skinny, beautiful brown body. One that I will soon portray as well. As an artist, I am an advocate for self-love and body positivity. My advocacy is regardless of the images I paint. I am a firm believer that every healthy body is acceptable and it's an ideal body no matter what the size or shape may be, for each has its own beauty. NC: Looking at your Instagram feed, you started doing mostly portraits then you’ve transitioned to complex full body paintings. How and when did you decide to shift subjects? How was the transition? Has your interest with the human body grew over time or it’s in you ever since? RM: I think in the beginning I was preparing myself for that transition. The faces of the subjects are very important elements because their faces carry the story and emotions. Art is not easy, in fact it is a tedious job. Back in the days before I entered the industry, I had to make sure that I had mastered the anatomy of the face, then the body, its elements, and so on because I evolve as an artist through time. NC: From your first artwork Instagram post in 2015,

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we can see the immense amount of improvement on your works today. Within those six years, what did you do to master your skill? What advice can you share to aspiring and budding creatives? RM: Well, most of my years in college were not how I expected it to be. I was not able to explore much since there are certain requirements to follow when you are creating an art piece as a student. Liberty was somehow not at the forefront of the picture. I only started to have more freedom in art after I graduated from college. It was when I began to be familiarized with my skills and how I can further explore the world of art. My advice is to be yourself and to step outside of your comfort zones. In the world of art, you should not be afraid of taking risks more so exceeding limitations. Learning does not stop in the classroom. You have to keep exploring and learning in order for you to grow as an artist. It is important to be brave in this industry. Go on and try new things, new techniques, and turn those fresh ideas into actions. Make things happen because this industry is not for the fainthearted. Be bold, be different, and do not be afraid of failure because every failure will pave the way for you into becoming a better artist. Work on yourself on the daily, put in the work, and keep on evolving. As cliché as it is, you are you and that is your power. So, go ahead and follow your heart. NC: Lastly, how do you like your art to be known and be remembered for? RM: I want to be known as an iconic, relatable, mysteriously fun, and timelessly elegant. I aim to be remembered as someone who touches people’s souls from the stories my art conveys. Someone who broke the culture of toxic masculinity and someone who speaks through symbols. As an artist, I want to be remembered as someone who shares stories of real-life everyday people through my gold palette artworks. I believe that it is in the way we appreciate art that artists and the audience can connect. Furthermore, I am Ron Mariñas and I am an artist who paints with his hands but tells stories through my art from the heart. N

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Unrave Photos by plrssgbn

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Styled by BaklArt | Model: Rodolfo Agner

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B E N E A T H

C O V E R S

Photos and styled by BaklArt Model: Rodolfo Agner

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Glory Over Covers

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dalton pass

by Freniel Austria

Part I

The steam from the big boiler of arroz caldo bursts into the cold air, almost morphing into a fine spray. It’s only 2 a.m. but the sharp but warm and sweet notes from the ginger feels like a morning rush. The lady in baggy crocheted jacket hands over the green plastic bowl of the thick rice gruel, topped with scallions, toasted garlic and thin slices of chicken, and a hard-boiled egg on the side. “Isang Nescafé 3-in-1 din ate,” Joel, a man in his late 20s asks in his quivering voice the lady serving near the wooden countertop. The weather in Sta. Fe is biting, almost numbing but he is only wearing a tight-fitting shirt, his angular chest puffed-out and his nipples visible like how sweet peas bulge in its pod.

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She is laughing heartily at the video of Jak Roberto pranking Barbie Forteza before shifting back to her grumpy, sour face, then speaking in an irate tone. “Isang daan lahat.” She releases a quick yawn as she puts down her phone. She pours near-boiling water in a styro cup, which remains sturdy even though the heat seems like eating away the plasticky material. “Inaantok ka pa ata.” Joel puts down the tray on a long, handcrafted table in rich mahogany varnished top and sculpted legs. The al fresco dining is surprisingly beautiful, boasting the wood art that flourished over the years in the town, a stark contrast against the dirty gravel parkway and the eroded asphalt of Maharlika Highway. “Ba’t 'di ka nag-order ng sa 'yo? Sarap nito the chastity issue

Among the Hyacinths by Nedy Esterdee

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oh, mainit pa,” Paolo, a slender guy, slightly younger in appearance, cracks the egg and starts peeling off the shell. He mixes it with the arroz caldo, the outer yolk has a powdery texture but creamy at the center. “Ano, yung itlog ko?” Joel utters with a teasing smile. His lips are a bit swollen but dry, maybe due to weather, but a small cut can be seen up close. “Gago!” Paolo yells in jest. He appears to be lost for a moment, the spoonful of arroz caldo almost burns his tongue. He tries to inhale slowly to evaporate the cushion of warm air insulating the food. He swallows it rather slowly, the searing temperature envelops his chest. Arroz caldo helped Paolo get through during the lockdown when he was working in Manila. One time he tried ordering it, just the plain lugaw, at FoodPanda when he was on a tight budget. Until he ordered them daily. Some days with lechon kawali, some other days with beef and pork innards. Or with just a boiled egg. It has been his comfort food since then. “Kamusta trabaho? Big time ka na eh.” Joel then sips from the synthetic cup. His voice doesn’t particularly sound curious but there's not a sign of disinterest on his face. There’s an easiness in the way he looks at Paolo, but the way his eyes wander and observe how he is eating his food is from someone longing for home. “Nagresign na ako, asikasuhin ko lang last pay ko kaya balik Manila muna.” Before quitting his job, Paolo was an IT specialist in a local software company. The pandemic significantly affected his company’s bottom line, resulting in widespread employee retrenchment and salary cuts. He was okay, dispirited at times, but he was surviving. Then, he just woke up and he didn’t want any of it.

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He plans to use his savings to put up a small coffee bar in Solano, his hometown in Nueva Vizcaya. He tendered an immediate resignation weeks ago, which the HR gladly, with utmost pleasure, accepted. He celebrated it with a bowl of special arroz caldo as well as fried tofu, lumpiang togue, and a bottle of Coke. Followed by days of plain lugaw and anxious moments of self-doubt. “Magpapatayo ako ng café, maliit lang, dun sa dating cell shop malapit sa Jollibee.” Joel and Paolo first met in elementary, at a public school. They were in the same section from 1st grade until graduation. Both were smart but not entirely earnest in studying nor perseveringly attentive to their subjects. Most of their time were spent in patintero, sipa, and tumbang preso. “Ahhh, yung pinapaloadan mo dati pang-chain message. Ano tawag dun, parang group?” Joel squints furtively, his lips are a little awry as he tries to stop from smiling. Their friendship went on until high school. It is there where they started to develop a strong sense of competition, sometimes a strong tendency for rivalry with each other. There were times that they had disagreements and squabbles, eventually leading them to act aloof and become distant. “Gago. GM tawag dun, 'di chain message. Yung sa clan natin. 'Dun mo nga nakilala si Tin eh.” An OFW in Kuwait for five years, Joel already got his own car and house even before proposing and marrying Tin two years ago. They were in an on and off relationship in college. It’s only prior to moving overseas that they became stable. Living apart somehow made the gradations of breaking up and making up bearable. But just last year, the massive layoffs in the the chastity issue

construction industry forced Joel to go home. The emotional impact to him was stressful, added with his struggle from the long quarantine period when he arrived in the country. Unlike the previous times he stayed in the country for vacation to splurge money, he had to cut corners and save up for their plan to have a baby.

he left for college? Did he think he’d miss his company? Did their friendship ever stay the same? These questions wrestle in his mind. Years passed and he still feels the guilt of the need to escape, including him. But being with Joel again makes him realize the love and nostalgia from his old stomping grounds, that there’s a reason to stay.

“Ikaw maraming kalandian ‘nun. Pero ngayon, single ka parin.”

“Kelangan natin kumayod,” Joel expressed his hope with a broad smile as he emptied his cup.

Paolo looks at the dense expanse of fog drifting through the main road. He doesn’t remember how many years he has been single. He had several encounters already, even one-night stands and quick fun in multiple instances. But he can’t recall when was his last relationship, more so a serious one.

He was always the cool guy between the two, easygoing all the time, funny and unruly at best. But when Paolo left, he somewhat became more focused and involved in his own community and friend groups. There is this certain pressure when living with everyone around knowing you.

“Balik Kuwait ako. Baka next month, kapag maayos ko agad papers ko.”

When he migrated to work overseas, it was not the same freedom Paolo experienced that he felt. Nights were lonelier. Almost the same feeling he had when Paolo left for college. He became insular to some degree. He believed he didn’t care. He thought things would never be the same. That life should go on and there is no point of pursuing things, even if that means standing and living on the sidelines. But being with Paolo again makes him realize that his hometown was a great place to grow up, that there’s a reason to come back.

Paolo left the province to study in a university in Manila. Joel decided, or forced by circumstances, to stay in Vizcaya. Their separation was expected, they almost didn’t talk about it. But during sem breaks, they still got together. As they met multiple people every day, they only realized how much their friendship meant to them. The bond has always been there. “Akala ko nga for good kana dito,” said Paolo in a faint voice. He smiles gently as he finishes his food, but the expression of his eyes is imploring, asking for reassurance. Paolo felt a strange sense of freedom when he left his hometown. Everything he left behind didn’t matter anymore, he found an opportunity to recreate his identity. It was a lonely experience, but he seemed to find his inner self. But the anticipation of Joel leaving the country again hits him differently. Did he care when the chastity issue

Part II If I lay here, if I just lay here. Would you lie with me and just forget the world? The audio track from the Irish band Snow Patrol drifts inside the car as they trail through the Maharlika Highway. Joel is driving the car, Paolo in the passenger seat. They hope to arrive in Manila before 8 a.m. to avoid the long queue of the offices.

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“May kinakasama ako sa Kuwait. Hindi pa alam ni Tin.” Joel lowered the volume of the music before breaking the silence between the two. “Pinoy?” Paolo asked rigidly, trying to hide his unpleasant surprise. He has so many questions. Why did he need to know? Why he didn’t know? Why did he want him to know? The thought of his infidelity with Tin makes him badly shaken. But why does he feel betrayed as well? “Syempre babae,” Joel answered in a tactful manner. His eyes glance through the rear-view mirror, as if waiting for Paolo to make eye contact. “Kung foreigner 'kako. Pinoy. Pinay. Puta, para kang 'di nakatikim ng titi.” Paolo attempted to laugh but the disdain is apparent in his voice. “Naguguluhan ako.” Tin is a sweetheart. Her charming but proud demeanor makes her likeable. In truth, she was closer to Paolo than Joel when they were teenagers. Joel considered her too worldly, too sophisticated. They were already in college when he began dating her, and she acted like an ego boost for him. She complimented his choice to show maturity and responsibility early on in life. But every passing year, their views, their interests, their values became discrepant, their differences slowly surfacing. But they are managing it, others expected them to too. The road becomes more zigzag as they traverse the national highway. A Mabuhay (Welcome) sign of the boundary of Vizcaya and Ecija greets them, at Dalton Pass, the summit where Sierra Madre and Caraballo Mountains verge like meeting of distant souls. Paolo removes his seatbelt and leans forward to Joel, his hooded eyes are almost crystal in the dim, somber interior of the car. His right

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hand softly roams through his body, tracing the lines and curves down to his crotch. His other hand strokes his chest, his forefinger circling his nipples tenderly, then aggressively, the way he pivoted the joystick of the game console they shared when they were young. “Baka mabangga tayo,” Joel uttered in concern. He slows down a bit and checks for incoming vehicles. The road is obscurely dead, few cars are passing by, either few trucks are traveling or are still stationed in Aritao or Carranglan, waiting for daybreak. But Paolo continued to undo his pants, the zipper harder to open as his manhood slowly erecting, springing up against his fly. The tip of his shaft is peeking out of the waistband of his boxer shorts. His fingers thread the notable outline, he slips his wholeness out from his underwear. Joel moans out of pleasure. The AC is blasting cool air to his face, but he can feel the weird, errant energy channeling from his body. He had too much caffeine, he feels somewhat wired and exhausted at the same time, but a titillating sensation is warming him up. “Baka hindi ka masaya sa babae,” Paolo said tensely. Paolo stopped having casual hookups when the pandemic started. Not because he is afraid contacting disease. He just realized being alone can be therapeutic. Sometimes he checks and goes back to dating sites, doing sex through a video call then never replying to their messages again. In between those days and nights, he thinks of going home. It’s when his idea of starting his own business became evident. The sensuous desire of Joel to stop the car, leap from his seat, and hump on Paulo’s ass is suddenly fluxed with a feeling of confusion. He relaxes his seatbelt and moves his hip in unison the chastity issue

to the strokes and caresses of Paolo. He tries to stop his eyes rolling to the back of his head, staring at him intently, biting his lower lip. They both had their first sexual awakening in high school. It started from watching sex scandals and pirated porn CDs, talking about sexual fantasies, then masturbating together. During one of their sem break in college, their erotic play became more intimate, more lustful. Paolo was adventurous then, he gave Joel the best blowjob in his life. After that, they stopped talking for a while. More sem breaks happened and their sexual acts repeated. Joel became more accepting, he even kissed Paolo after a passionate sex. They never talked about their relationship but there was a frisky vigor in their affair. They found satisfaction in sending nudes and engaging in flirty banters. “Bakit, naging masaya ka ba sa 'kin?” Joel asked in bated breath. He can feel white, thin fluids coming from the head of his love pistol. He removes his right hand from the steering wheel and places it on top of Paolo’s head. He starts guiding him up and down while slightly thrusting his hips, slightly fucking his mouth. After graduation, their sexual relationship fell into deep water. Their conversations became more serious, about career, health, technology, and life in general. Their last sexual encounter was his last vacation before his proposal to Tin. It was an impassionate one, no kissing, no arousal and foreplay. He didn’t even tell Paolo he cummed inside him already. It was somewhat a mutual settlement and a goodbye to their old ways. Paolo eases his shaft to his mouth, he bobs his head up and down as his tongue engulfes his wholeness. His tongue plays around his head, twisting and wrapping it, sucking it, then licking down to his testicles. the chastity issue

“Tangina, malapit na ako labasan,” Joel let out as his feet started trembling. Paolo’s mouth grips him harder while his hand stimulates the lower part, twisting it back and forth. His shaft gets a little harder, his warm cum gushes and shoots from inside. Ahead a steep curve, the sound of tires screeching the gravel surface of the road violently creates an eerie sound. The smell of smoke and burnt plastic is unmistakable with the skid marks from the friction of braking. The car plunges off and crashes to the safety boulders. It swerves sharply, falling in the deep ravine.

Part III Joel wakes up from the warm, subtle smell of vanilla and white musk. His beady, beguiling eyes dilate as the sunlight slowly soaks the surrounding. He finds Paolo peacefully lying on top of him, his head pressed on his chest. He remained calm, like a millpond, afraid to disturb him. He starts caressing his face, fingers run through his silky hair. He smiles almost instinctively. Shorter after, Paolo opens his eyes, then gazes up to Joel’s face. There is no curiosity or any sense of astonishment at the way he looks at him. It seems like he knows Joel is waiting for him to wake up. He smiles at him, almost instinctively. Paolo rises from his quiescence. His face in front of Joel’s face. Their warm breath fluxed like two distant souls coming together. Their discerning expressions fade away, their eyebrows more relaxed. Their lips met, invading each other’s senses, as their body unclasped into one. There is a whiff of paradise, and they felt home again like for the first time. N

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Untitled-1 by Jimzi

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Untitled-2 by Jimzi

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hubo't Beyond the surface, we are also our dreams, our skills, and our values. We are women who lead, inspire, and empower—and that doesn't change the moment we celebrate our bodies or show more skin.

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hubad by Jaycee Casal

Hubo't Hubad is a collaborative effort from amazing women from different backgrounds. With photos took in the confines of our own homes and in the privacy of our rooms, we share with you a solemn and intimate celebration of our bodies. Inspired by these women, I have put together narratives of their stories and experiences, with each feature celebrating their confidence and capabilities. Upon making the series, I have grown to respect and admire these women more. They speak with impact, lead with grace, and live with passion. While their identities may not be disclosed, I hope you see yourselves in some of them and find comfort that we are doing this to elevate the discussion on how a woman's body is seen. We are not just skin nor a figure to be objectified. Beyond the surface, we are also our dreams, our skills, and our values. Change the conversation with us.

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Profile No.

01 She dreams of traveling the world—to know of its culture and its people. On the other hand, she also dreams of a safe place for transwoman like her. A safe place where anyone can be who they want to be with no judgment or discrimination. A professor, a public relations and social media manager at the young age of 24, she is passionate about sharing experiences and imparting knowledge to people. She also channels her creativity through dancing and fashion design. A creative at heart and a dynamic individual in the workplace, she pours her passion into all her professional pursuits. Although she is a powerhouse in her own right, she owes most of her strength and achievements to her loving and supportive family, whom she describes as a family who built a strong foundation of love and acceptance in her system. Because of them, she always feels accepted, empowered, and happy. She values being your truest self, as you are at your most beautiful and most happy when you are being who you truly are.

Beyond the surface, we are also our dreams, our skills, and our values. We are women who educate, inspire, and empower—and that doesn’t change the moment we celebrate our bodies or show more skin.

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Profile No.

03 She dreams of being able to teach and impart ideas. She is a woman with a love for knowledge. For her, to teach is to partake in one of the most noble professions. A writer, a fitness and sports enthusiast, and a part-time host—she’s a jack of all trades. A woman who finds tranquility in writing and the coming together of ideas, she is a woman of great insight— and she manifests this beautifully through her work and her words. She is driven in all her endeavors and she continually strives to align her physical health with

her mental health. She is currently at her strongest and healthiest physical state, which is something she is extremely proud of given the amount of hard work she has done in exercising and the extensive researching she has done on health and nutrition. In her words, "I [want] a body that is in tune with the mind." Alignment and balance—through these, she is confident she can physically achieve what her mind conceives. She is a woman with a curious mind, and she lives with an eagerness and vigor to learn about the complexities of people and of life.

Beyond the surface, we are also our dreams, our skills, and our values. We are women who write, inspire, and impart ideas—and that doesn’t change the moment we celebrate our bodies or show more skin. the chastity issue

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Profile No.

See more profiles of this series on Instagram

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Q @theser.es

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She dreams of living a life full of constant learning and adventure—a life of absorbing the different facets of the world through people and places. She hopes to have her partner by her side as they build their life and wealth together, and alongside this, be a constant source of support for her loved ones as they achieve their dreams. Already an associate manager at one of the world’s top performing companies in her early 20s, she is a woman who is heavily skilled in numerical and financial literacy. She lights up whenever she talks about numbers and data and she is ever fascinated about the logic and processes that surround it all. She is a dynamic individual—may it be in her personal relationships or in her professional career—and this is only further justified by her character strengths, some of which are her love for learning, sound judgment, social intelligence, appreciation of beauty and excellence, and zest for life. She is book smart AND street-smart—she can be lost in the middle of nowhere and manage to adapt and survive. She’ll even enjoy the feeling of being somewhere new and unfamiliar. She takes pride in being able to survive and thrive despite everything that she’s been through. When asked about her strongest moment, she didn’t identify a specific point in her life, as she felt like she had to be at her strongest her whole life. To quote, “I did not have the luxury to think and feel like a child since I had to be the string that kept my family together while surviving years of physical and emotional abuse.” At the young age of seven, she already realized that she had to step up and be strong for the people around her. To cope, she became radical, logical, emotionally unwavering, and ruthless. She was able to adapt and get by her personal life with these coping mechanisms until she experienced sexual

harassment. She dealt with it the only way she knew how—pursued legal action, excelled academically, and became extra active in her extracurricular activities. She became workaholic—and after keeping it together most of her life, she snapped. At this point in her life, she slowly started to get panic attacks, anxiety, and high functioning depression. After being independent for so long and helping other people with their pain at her expense, she realized that being strong can also mean trusting people and letting them go through the pain with you. She explains further by saying, “being brave is having the courage to admit you are afraid, and I was fucking scared to death—the guilt coming from ruining the life of the man’s children, the reaction and judgment from the people around me ('nangyari 'yan sa 'yo kasi malandi ka or provocative ka manamit'), being weak, and letting what happened to me ruin all my plans to reach my dreams.” She then started opening up to the people closest to her and eventually started sharing her experience with survivors. With these small steps, she was able to start healing. She treasures her family and best friends, as they stayed by her side through her hardest moments and helped her get through the pain. She felt like she had to be strong her whole life up until recently. For over two years now, she has felt genuinely happy, describing it as finding “blissful child-like happiness.” She was able to overcome a lot of obstacles and is now at a good place in her life surrounded by the people she loves the most. A woman of character and integrity, she values honesty with sincerity, bravery, a love for knowledge, and acceptance. She embodies it fully and faces each day with strength, grace, and happiness.

Beyond the surface, we are also our dreams, our skills, and our values. We are women who are strong, driven, and brave—and that doesn’t change the moment we celebrate our bodies or show more skin. N

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comfort in dysphoria Digital artwork by Michael Gabriel E. Bacungan

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Invisible Touches Digital art by Danna Catapang

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there is by John Rey Dave Aquino

There is

• a user, desire stirring the pits of his stomach, making him desperate to delight his eyes with the sight of bodies, the shameless but (or because?) private display in a publicly accessible domain; • a website hosting a plethora of bodies, unfathomable for its allowance of discrimination in an already limited roulette, purporting to be considerate of the user’s “preferences” as he left-clicks to search for features he does not possess: a broad chest, a flat belly, full arms, wide shoulders, hairy legs, skin fairer and smoother than his, a pleasant(er) face staring him down through the lens transmitting from another point on earth—last week from the opposite hemisphere, yesterday from two towns away; • a camera serving witness to the wholeness of a chosen body that only checks a few boxes in his checklist, its hills and mountains and valleys, its chasms and ridges, all its imperfections and wonders—discolored skin, pimply chin, attentive nipples, that mole on a neck, that light smattering of hair around a nipple, that cuddly bicep stretched for the pleasure of the user whose eyes are trained on the LED screen; • a monitor projecting present-time footage from n-kilometers away because, somehow, technology ignores distance to showcase the body in all its resplendent glory and masculine beauty, its brightness glaring in the middle of the dim room an hour past midnight, satisfying the sight—it is the best means towards carnal satisfaction sans the fervent dangers of intimacy in this viral, lonely present; and, • the climax, the finality of desire, the endgame of exploration—while surveying one’s own body in concert and rhythm with the body on the screen heightens the senses, its rapturous conclusion blurs everything else, including himself.

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Horny Artworks by Lui Alcazaren

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Etits

Kain

Masturbate

Too Horny

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Viernes, Alas Nueve Artwork by Ace E. Enriquez

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karnal by Rodmar G. Arduo

Ang makinarya’y tumigil, ang ilaw ay napundi pangaral ng ebanghelyo’y tinanggalan ng silbi itinampok ang ganid, kabulaanan ay itinanghal nakabibingi ang pagsamba ng damuhal Binulabog ang pasilyo ng aking kaluluwa Nilustay ang bendisyon, nilálang na estatwa binuklat ang pilat, napáso sa init nagkukumahog, nagpupuyos sa galit

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Angkin by Andre Ramirez Gutierrez

Mangyaring sabayan natin ang mga naglalarong katawan sa kalawakan ngayong gabi. Gaya nila, nais ko rin ang pag-iisang dibdib, kahit sandaling paramdam sa taglay mong init, at gayon din ang ibabalik ko sa iyo kapag naatim mo na ang nakapapaso kong lamig. Dantayan mo ako ng dantaon mong hinanakit. Hindi mo na kailangan pang magkimkim, 'pagkat 'di naman tayo nagkakalayo kung iisipin—pasan-pasan ko ang libo-libong pasakit ng mundo: ang kanilang mga hiling at ang kanilang mga iwinawaksing kunwa-kunwari ay aking tatanggapin. Huwag ka na munang mag-abala. Walang lugar para sa takot na iyong nadarama. Manonood ang mga alabok sa dingding habang pilit nating inaangkin ang kuwentong hindi naman tungkol sa atin.

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why don't i do it for you Artwork by Deej Amago

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tingin ka lang sa 'kin Artwork by Deej Amago

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Unattainable (2/3) Artworks by Rum Corvera

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alter native “Welcome to the alter world, where people tweet and retweet their or other people’s sexual engagements. Though often maligned, it actually also highlights formation of friendships, info sharing, emotional support, and even provision of a ‘safe space’ for those who wish to express their sexuality.” Outrage Magazine, written by Patrick King Pascual, Published October 24, 2020

welcome to the community of perfect anonymity this is the grand high from the glittering likes not illicit, just explicit

try to find me in this earthly web heed me as I hide, I am concupiscence, a shiver crawling down your liver a touch of finger to dash down your eyes, mind, body but click the damn button and we are alive, this is live and real-time preach it in the screen, say I’m your lover your ornamental touch penetrating the digital with numbers chilling down our spines this haven is true and sometimes our talks make sense too haven't you heard about our noise in the prominent, we know the news our culture is hues we are the sly ones in the tweeting fly-gones

by Xian Oquendo

find your position as you angle the show this is erotica in the new electronica this is the menace hiding when my friends say my innocence is my charm I say, charm is when you see what's beyond this face below and below no names, no identity just eyes peeking through masks face-covered Adams flaunting features a beautiful paradox, to feel cadence in the maneuvering torsos flashing dashing the novel in unfamiliarity frozen in the knuckles of time we are dug Greek statues built to be seen for a feast of eyes structured like depictions but headless obscurity is beauty and privacy is the new autonomy welcome to the community of perfect anonymity

we know nothing about each other but we know touch and love

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Filipino Mestizo with nothing on but Barong Tagalog Digital artwork by Isagani

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there are four parts to a prayer

byJohn Rey Dave Aquino

Quarantine Steam Artwork by Deej Amago

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Adoration In this cloistered room made for deep internal reflection, e.g. a private college’s senior class retreat, he sheds off his clothes, his body made of shadows. An incandescent light bulb. Two single beds wrapped in white, a pillow on the head of each. he lets your eyes travel across his wholeness, your mind revering the contours and slopes, the subject of your wettest dreams. his body seems to demand your praise, and you tell him you have sent your compliments in the secrecy of your bedroom. Many times, you add—when he gets out of his clothes in front of you, when you smell his sweat after a basketball game, or when he suddenly hugs you from behind to tease you. Confession On the wall, He looks down at you from His cross. His features are minute; you cannot ascertain what He is thinking. With all the sins of the world He carries, will this sin matter? You crave another body with the same anatomy as yours, but more desirable. You venture into the deep reaches of the Internet, but still unable to act on your desires. Now, this is a time for prayer sans the soft cushions of the church pews. The floor is concrete. A minor sacrifice. You tell him that you once caught him with his exgirlfriend in the living room. his shorts around his ankles, her busy with his manhood. With a gnawing jealousy and a growing lust, you watched as she worked a rhythm, and he alternated looking down— towards hell—and up—to the heavens. Thanksgiving Always express your gratitude to Him, your parents taught you that, because what the Lord has provided, He can take back. You remember this as you prepare to receive His grace in the form of his blessing. Isn’t it interesting how the tongue can taste and touch, flavor and texture combined, almost a unified sensation? ‘You’ve always liked me, then?’ You nod. ‘May I?’

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he nods, and you thank Him for allowing you to love him, for that first night as roommates, that first time you heard him laugh because you fell from your bed in the middle of the night. A humiliating night for sure, but he asked if you were alright, took your arm, and helped you back to your bed. his hands were warm, his eyes warmer. Was that the moment you started loving him? Perhaps, because every moment since then assured you that you loved him. After you perform a steady ritual of bowing, he calls out, warning you of his release. he has accepted your prayer, and you pay your tribute, too, spilling over the concrete floor of this holy place. Supplication Always, there’s that silence after the climax: a spell of serenity, a bit of guilt, a sprinkle of doubt, and asking what comes next. It’s unlike the empty silence between you when he caught you a week ago whining his name in the room you shared, your naked body when the lights were turned on, the awkwardness of confessing, the difficulty of avoiding each other because you’re roommates, and finally, this act, an agreement borne out of his curiosity and your vulnerability. This time, the silence is loaded. he asks why you never said anything. You only answer with a shrug, because you cannot tell him you were scared, and you didn’t want a friendship ruined. he picks up his boxer briefs and puts them on again. ‘I never knew.’ You watch as he lays down on his bed. ‘Would it have made a difference if you knew?’ he purses his lips. ‘Yes, definitely.’ he scoots to the left side of the bed. ‘We can sleep here on my bed, if you want to.’ ‘You want to cuddle? That’s dangerous. You might catch feelings for me.’ ‘Come here,’ he says with a chuckle, patting the space beside him. You accept. he wraps you in his arms and, as you fall asleep, you ask Him for one more favor—that both of you remain like this, for as long as possible. N

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Clarisse Photos and text by Margaret Casiano

These are some photos from my first nude shoot. I've always been drawn to the idea of human bodies as an art form and I learned that capturing them through photographs not only brings out one's individuality but also a better understanding of human nature. This was the shoot that got me started in breaking the "ill-defined social norms and principles on gender and sexuality."

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QUEER ART #050621

SKETCHPAD #041621 Artworks by Cheng Perez Cordova

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How to fantasize properly, for people who think too much by Carl Lorenz Cervantes

In my dreams, I fall in love with myself. Characters come alive as fragrant astral figures: they are the fragmented projections of my own erotic subconscious. I have created in myself a Casanova, whose charm attracts imagined lovers. I love myself, reflected in the dilated pupils of mental smoke come alive. These lovers are fantasies, but I too am one, my ideal self in multiple forms.

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Pangarap Lang Kita Artwork by Yawmie

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Five years ago, I imagined a vanilla-scented lover, a freckled young man with light, messy hair. He wore floral shirts and spoke poetry. His eyes were innocent and his thighs were smooth. We made love in a high rise in the high city. The blue light of a subtle afternoon storm entered through the wide windows; the blinking lights of the city shone like fallen stars. The rain brought with it the smell of the sea. The young man and I sank into the couch cushions. My body was his blanket. His moans were whispers, and at one point in our love-making he quietly said my name, but it wasn’t my name, it was the name of someone else who was also me but not quite. This fictional me was more handsome, and I lived through him. He lived in a city that existed only within me; this avatar existed within me, and I existed within him. It is true that I loved the young man—I soon found him in my own outer life, but it wasn’t the same. So, for comfort, I went back between his thighs, which were only in my mind. I would wake up, sticky and regretful. Three years ago, I opened my eyes to the bright white light of the morning. The white gossamer curtains softly danced in the wind. In the distance, the glistening blue sea. I was in a breezy hotel with terracotta tiles. In my hand was a crystal glass with elegant carmine liquid, melting in the heat. I had dipped once again into my dream. This time, I was called by a greeneyed, sun-kissed siren sitting suggestively on the bed. I noticed that I was someone else; still beautiful, but different. The one who had loved the freckled young man was somewhere else in this strange city. I am with this woman now. She smelled like what tropical rum tastes like: floral and intoxicating. She had more energy than the languid boy; she ground me like coffee. In the midst of this altered state, I had forgotten my own name. All I knew was that I was hers. Later on, I found her in the outer world. She had

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the same smile. When she laughed, she tilted her head back, revealing a slender neck. In the dim red light of motels, she was like a myth. We dated on rooftops and museums. I often slept on her lap and remembered the thighs of my own dream siren. She could never compare to my siren, but what she has, the siren does not: existence. Last year, I found myself reading and rereading a sentence in a book I was barely paying attention to. I looked outside the wide window: the sea was familiar. I had seen this before. The smell of the city was also familiar. Once again, I was in my dream, but I was a different person. I walked the streets and arrived at a plaza. Nearby was a hotel: in one of those rooms, I thought, I had once made love. I walked the streets alone, along the bay. A white dog followed me to a bar. It waited outside. In the bar, I met a young woman with stellar, strange eyes. We talked, but I had forgotten about what. I offered to walk her home. The dog followed us. As it turned out, we lived in the same building, and the dog belonged to her. We entered her room and she pinned me to the wall and knelt before me. This time, I was both myself and the woman. I kissed my own pillowy lips, I entered myself, and held my own arms. I have become Narcissus. I have yet to meet these characters, but I know they are alive somewhere, warm and out of breath. Metaphysical minds find it hard to dream effectively, but once all sensuality has been transferred within, it would come easily. The subconscious creates itself and is the architect of the ego’s unfulfilled desires. Its population is both reliable and intangible. This is how to fantasize properly, for people who think too much. I know someone else dreams this way: perhaps soon, I could visit their city and kiss them in the astral plane. Nothing is more attractive than someone you cannot have. N

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Kagawasan Artwork by Kean Larrazabal

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i am ophelia Artwork by jaimielly

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Breaking Free Digital collage by Mark Anthony S. Alonzo

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do me by Xian Oquendo

"Watch me carefully when I step on that stage," He told me That night, he wore loose jeans that seemed faded but still at its aegean teal best, Reminded me so much of the walls of his room where we talk about Lucy Dacus and her masterpiece Nightshift Husky was his voice and it wasn't his regular speaking voice but his singing one, I know the difference because I have memorized the insides of his throat, the larynx and his screams when I get there for a second coming When he is gagged with mine, I hear a song only for me, and it's the best and my favorite I watched him turn the place into his own like a hideaway where he would drag me to, just us two, catching the dusts and rubbles, turning it into a palace of marble pillars He looked at me with that stare before the outro, And when he reached our table he asked me "How did I do?" I told him, "Do me."

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Bird Wings Artwork by Niley Bacolcol

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Body Type

An experiment in exposing the letters and numbers hidden in the artist's skin.

Photos by Subhelic

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Sa Pakpak ng Tubig by Jhio Jan A. Navarro

Hubad ma’y panatag tuwing nagpapatangay tangan ang iyong kamay Walang pangamba ng pagkahulog, ng pagkaligaw bagamat marahan tayong tinutunaw ng hampas at ampyas sa isa’t isa Siguro’y ganito dahil alam nating muli’t muli ihahatid tayo ng pakpak ng tubig sa aplaya, kung saan muli’t muli babagtasin ng ating daliri ang kartograpriya ng latay na iginuhit ng araw sa ating mga balat kung saan muli’t muli matutuyo ang mga plumahe ng dagat na kumapit sa pagitan ng ating mga balakang at tutulo bilang kapalit ang tamis-alat.

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Love or Lust? Digital artwork by Niley Bacolcol

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Plantito Artwork by Ram J Calum

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magdamag sa bandang Balete Drive by Jerecca Jazul

Sinong mag-aakala na hindi lamang takot ang mararanasan ng tao sa may bandang Balete Drive. Sa gabing iyon, sa ilalim ng kulay kahel na bahay na bato, tinawag ang dalawang makamundo ng pagnanasa sa isa’t isa. Tumindig ang kanilang mga balahibo. Narinig ang mga ungol. Nahiya ang mga engkanto.

Alas dyes ng gabi nang bumaba si Georgia sa may Cubao MRT bus station, umaambon pa at wala siyang payong. Agarang tinakbo ang hagdan sa overpass, ngayong gabi niya hihintayin sa Victory Liner terminal ang lalaking ilang buwan na niyang ka-chat. Nakatulog siya sa tagal ng paghihintay. Nang maalimpungatan, agad niyang kinuha ang cellphone sa loob ng bag. Maya-maya pa’y may matangkad na lalaki siyang nakita, kumaway

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ito sa kaniya at ngumiti lang siya. Noong una’y nahihiya pa siya ngunit sumabay na lamang siya sa kung anong lalabas sa kaniyang bibig. Sumakay sila sa taxi, binabaybay nila ang kahabaan ng E.Rodriguez Sr. Ave. Kakaunti na lamang ang mga sasakyang dumadaan, mararamdamang madaling araw na nga talaga. Unang bumaba sa taxi si Georgia at nakita na sa kabilang bahagi ng kalye ang street sign na Balete Drive, hindi niya alam kung

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matatakot ba siya o hindi. Tiningnan niya ang limang palapag na hotel, “Stone House”, ang pangalan ng kulay kahel na bahay na bato. Inakbayan siya ng lalaking hinintay niya ng ilang buwan, matangkad ito, maitim ang kulay ng balat, matangos ang ilong, at may makapal na buhok. Pumasok sila sa loob ng hotel, binati siya ng receptionist at ibinigay ang susi. Hindi pataas ang punta nila kundi pababa, bagay na nakapagtataka kung magho-hotel ka. Room 11. Ito ang isa sa mga kwarto nila sa ilalim ng kahel na gusali. Isang mainit na halik ang dumampi sa labi ni Georgia, nanghihina ang kaniyang mga tuhod sa bawat halik. Tumigil silang dalawa at nag-usap, tinanong ang bawat isa kung kumusta sila. Ramdam nilang may mangyayari sa kanilang dalawa ngayong gabi, kahit pa madaling araw na, nag-shower muna si Georgia para masigurong mabango siya at parang kinikiliti siya ng pakiramdan nang mapagtanto ang hubog ng kaniyang katawan sa opaque na salamin ng banyo. Sinuot niya ang pinakamgandang bra at panty, malamang pinakamahal din, naiiba sa normal na SO-EN panty. Tiningnan niya ang sarili sa salamin at huminga nang malalim. Sa tanang buhay niya, handa na siya para sa unang gabi, devirginizing night ‘ika niya. Marahan siyang umupo sa gilid ng kama, niyakap siya mula sa likuran ng lalaki. Marahang hinalikan nito ang kaniyang kanang balikat, lumiyad siya dahil sa kiliting dumaloy mula sa batok niya. Inamoy nito ang kaniyang buhok, napangiti siya. Ang yakap nito sa kaniyang baywang ay mas lalong humigpit, kasabay ng mainit na hininga nito sa kaniyang leeg, dumaloy ang malalambot na labi sa kaniyang balat, hindi niya alam kung ano ang gagawin, nagpaubayang siyang dalhin kung saan-saan ng samu’t saring damdamin. Humarap siya sa kaniya, nagtitigan ang mga mata nila, naghihintay kung ano ang susunod nilang eksena . Tinitigan ni Georgia ang labi nito at pagkatapos, malalim na ibinaling ang paningin sa mga mata ng lalaki, nais ilantad ang nag-aalab niyang katawan, kung gaano ito kasabik sa mga halik at haplos. Hinawakan ni Georgia ang mga pisngi nito, marahang idinampi ang kaniyang

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labi sa labi nito. Lumalim ang mga halik nila sabay sa lalong umiinit na mga katawang naguumpogan, naglilingkisan, nagkikiskisan. Naramdaman niya ang palad nito sa loob ng kaniyang damit, hinahagod ang bawat sulok ng kaniyang katawan. Humiwalay ang labi ng katalik at itinaas ang sariling damit, hinubad naman nito ang kaniyang damit at muling hinalikan si Georgia. In-unhook ni Georgia ang bra at agad na niyakap ang lalaki, gustong-gusto niya ang pakiramdam ng matitigas niyang utong at lumalambot niyang suso sa dibdib nito. Pinahiga na siya nito sa kama, nagsimula nang pumatong sa ibabaw niya, dahan-dahang ibinababa ang kaniyang panty, pinabukaka siya nito. Namula siya dahil tinitigan nito ang kaniyang pagkababae, may pilyong ngiti ito habang nakakatitig. Hinubad nito ang kanyang brief at tumambad ang nakataas at matigas na ari, medyo napauwang ang kaniyang bibig dahil malaki ito. Nahuli siya nitong nakatitig at mapang-asar itong itinaas ang kaniyang mga kilay, tinakpan ni Georgia ang mukha dahil bigla siyang nahiya. Marahan nitong hinawakan ang kaniyang mga kamay, inilagay sa leeg, dinampian ng isang halik ang noo, at kinilig siya nang sobra. Mula rito, gumapang ang mga halik pababa habang pinipisil ang kaniyang dibdib at utong. Sinsuso nito ang kaniyang dibdib, napaungol siya nang malakas, kasabay ng pasipsip nang marahas ay ang paggapang ng kanang kamay nito papuntang ari sa kaniyang ari. Agad namang natunton ng daliri nito ang kaniyang tinggil, napapikit siya dahil sa sarap at hapdi sa pakiramdam, ang mamasa-masa niyang ari ay nagpadulas sa mga daliri nitong hinahagod ang natugpuang sagradong hiwa ng kaniyang pagkababae. Lumiliyad ang kaniyang balakang, mas lalong nilalapit at idinidiin ang kaniyang sarili sa mga daliring nakikipaglaro. Ang mga halik nito’y bumaba, dahil nakapikit si Georgia hindi niya namalayang nilalaro na siya ng dila nito. Lalo pa siyang nag-init nang makitang binabaon nito ang mukha, kinakain siya na para bang gumon sa ilang taong hindi paglasap. Sinabunutan niya ito, hindi umangal, patuloy niyang iniliyad ang balakang na mas nagpabaon sa mukha ng lalaki sa kaniyang kaluluwa at langit. Ang dila nito’y marahas na umiigpaw sa kaniyang laman, ang katas ng kaniyang pagkababae, lamlam ang dagling ragasa.

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Maya-maya pa pinabukaka ang mga hita ni Georgia, inilapit sa mas tumigas pa niyang ari. Ipinosisyon ang ulo ng tite at tiningnan si Georgia. Marahang ipinasok nang bahagya sa birheng kweba, napapikit si Georgia sa sakit. Ilang segundo pa, muli ulit pinasok ang kalahati ng ari, nakapikit pa rin nang mariin si Gerogia. Nang naramdamang lumuluwag na siya, buo nang ipinasok ang ari nito sa kaniya. Mainit, basa, kay hapdi, kay gaan, kay sarap; naglaboy na sa loob ni Georgia ang lahat-lahat ng sanlibutan. Bukaka. Ungol. Labas-masok. Marahas. Diin. Ungol. Pawis. Yanig. Tumagilid.

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Tumihaya. Tumuwad. Taas ang binti. Hingal. Hagod. Haplos. Laas. Spank. Plok* Plok* Kay rahas. Ungol. Uugghhh!

Hiyaw ni Georgia. Malagkit na mainit. Tamod.

Itim. Nakatulog. Ang hiyaw na iyon. Narinig ng white lady sa Balete Drive. Napatigil sa paghithit ng tabako kahit ang kapre sa puno ng Acacia. Nagulat ang tiyanak sa may dilim. Napangisi ang receptionist. Bukang-liwayway.

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Death of Christiane Digital artwork by Niley Bacolcol

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she hears my voice when the sea speaks by Elizabeth Ruth Deyro

and the water's tongue these humble spaces between her toes the way I kiss her hello. Foam meets flesh. Flesh meets sand. She presses harder against wet clay, frail attempts to leave imprints on a shore that refuses to remember. Instead she’d watch the waves tuck earth back into its initial form, taking her mark off —the memory of my lips falling on hers for the twelfth time since the sun poured itself onto our bed sheets. Erasure through constant cleansing.

The land will not keep us indelible but the sea knows the ways of our bodies rejecting form as we merge,

allowing for stagnancy until we dissipate.

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Play Thing Digital artwork by Michael Gabriel E. Bacungan

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ronin summer Photos and text by Jas Percival Mamanta

I took these photos of myself, not just two to be honest, that makes me see that in spite of not having the expected body or frame for my age, I'm still healthy. I'm still not that happy with my physical well-being, but I'm slowly getting there.

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The Male Gaze Digital artwork by Kae Mara

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restless water 94

Photos and text by Mike Alegado

The Breakdown

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In Solitary

The Battle

This collection of images interprets social anxiety and how it reflects different emotions on someone who's experiencing it. We are all bare and defenseless when it comes to these emotions. I used water as a symbolism and common element to convey the intensity and mood for each. Slipping

The Climb

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Taking It All In

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Isolation

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Vulnerability

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scorpio baby Artwork by LC

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Contigo 1 Digital artwork by France Daffon

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Angels Digital artwork by St. Ninotchka

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verliebt in licht (in love with light)

Photos by Markus Mathew | Text and modeled by Redge

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Stripped, alone, and hedged in grey concrete— melancholy but still somehow okay.

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Fingered Limbo Sculpture by Via Bulaon

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Shore Digital artwork by France Daffon

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bare poetry by Tard

The hand grips with barely any strength in the fingertips. The touch is subtle but it connects our worlds. We are bare and I am at my weakest; I lay flat and you are on top of me. You went up and down on every word Leaving no time for semicolons. The drip of internal fluids smoothens The almost frictionless act. The irresistible contact between two is nearing an end, So I told you to stroke it well; And it resulted in an eruption Of a cathartic torrent of life.

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BALANCING ACT Digital collage by Fran Varcas

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i feel weird but i like it Artwork by Helen Julia S. Galima

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incognito wormhole / girl sucks massive void / cumming of age: a sp(self)aceexploration by Ma. Francesca M. Lingan

here exposed: the folds engorged and multiple, as are our slowest summer afternoons and flickering fluorescent evenings i. in a private window, the tick of a tab edge chrome firefox, libido growing the hairs on your nape they stand you fumble with the keys pornhub.com| then skin or whatever warmth, friction. liquid, semen or egg whites or whatever an extending of the insides to the inside of perpetual places which you click to “kain na!” pero busog ka pa ii. about to make some bank! it was big it was lovely let me tell you it was good im sooooo horny right now? like: send tweet i have made some bank! i do away with purses and purses and faces and purses what nice things i could put in it space and space, hollow and hollow and power and power and hollow and imploring-imploding and power, always power iii. selecta ice cream song in the distance, the cicadas drone loudest on this april afternoon enter sweltering girls in a sweltering room girl: i didn’t know you could do that girl: i know. isn’t it good? an infinity-spanning minute of silence between, their breathlessness echo girl: again?

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ilaw, diwa at laman Photos by Iko Salas

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bed weather by Liane Carlo R. Suelan

I loom over you. Let it rain—I, the tempest. Sing to my rhythm, The beat of wood: sway, do sway! Bathe in me—flow, bloom, sweet Earth.

yes to heaven Digital artwork by Alyssa Acaylar

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Bareskin Conversations Artwork by GALEON

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by Kaelito

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Alteration Digital artwork by Tee-Jay Vinarao

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Photosynthesis: Chlorophyll In The Veins Artwork by Kuting

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Fragments Artworks by Gelo Zarsuelo

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in this shirt

Digital artwork and text by Timy Santos

This piece is heavily inspired by the song "In This Shirt" by The Irrepressibles, specifically the Royksopp remix. This song brings me the feeling of ease, a feeling I've been wanting for a long time. I always wanted to feel safe with somebody, especially with a man that I hold dear in my heart. For now, I don't have that somebody yet, that's why I created this artwork to fill the void.

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The song is actually a song of heartbreak as two lovers drift apart, but I digress. For me, it is a song of sensual awakening as we crave for intimacy from an idea of a person inside our head. As we imagine a person to be our loved one in real life, we daydream and create moments that are magical. We want to be near this person, like "in this shirt,” "I can be you," as if the person we long for is near us, even for a while.

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Madonna and Memories of Romance and the Erotic by Liane Carlo R. Suelan

Express yourself, don’t repress yourself. Ever since my Literary Theory and Criticism professor played Madonna’s "Human Nature" in one of his classes to start the discussion on Foucault’s The History of Sexuality and “Freeing the Foucauldian,” the song has secured a place in my “Favorites” playlist on Spotify. Madonna was criticized then, my professor said, for being so open about sex, for being sexual— something which women were discouraged from doing because it was “unwomanlike” and “impure.” Times have changed, but we still see this perspective in the present. And this gatekeeping on the discussion and the act of sexuality affects the LGBTQ+ community, too. Its lyrics unfailingly touch my spirit, giving me goosebumps as it feels like Madonna, herself,

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is right beside me, whispering the words into my ear, reminding me that I can be free. Even remembering the song’s beat unlocks the memory of its words, going over me like a gust of wind, stripping me down to my bare being as it summons scenes from both the shallow—yet to sink, still new and afloat—and the depths of my mind. Then, I dive into the recollection. The arguments are often very heated when it comes to relationships and lovemaking concerning those belonging to the same sex, especially in a predominantly Christian place like the Philippines. Here, almost no family is without the religious, conservative relatives, may it be the lolas who urge their apos to pray the rosary every single day, threatening them with stories of Hell, should they refuse, or the

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X1 Artwork by Deej Amago

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titas and titos who forward prayers to their pamangkins through Messenger and share posts of Bible verses ranging from those reminding others to love everyone as God loves them, to those that condemn homosexuals and people with tattoos. With such an environment growing up, how can a person become accepting of the diversity of cultures and societies? How can the young, budding queer ever appreciate his own colors and open himself to the world? My former World History teacher from the eighth grade once spoke regarding same-sex marriage to the class. “I do not agree with same-sex marriage,” he said. “I have no problems with gays, but marriage is sacred. Okay lang sa akin na bakla ka. Bahala kayo kung mag-sex kayo diyan, kahit saan, pero marriage is a commitment.” Young as I was, and still quite in denial, mostly guilty, of my attraction for men, I nodded. I agreed vehemently to the flawed notion that gays were only capable of sexual attraction, not love and all the more, not commitment. I identified myself then as bisexual, despite not having any sexual feelings towards women at all. It was a ruse to avoid being teased for being attracted only to men, because “at least I still had a chance of ending up with a woman.” In the tenth grade, my Kontemporaryong Isyu teacher (an Araling Panlipunan subject) remarked, “Homosexuality is not a sin. But,” she continued, “sodomy is. It’s okay to be gay and to have feelings for the same sex—I, myself, have many gay friends—but the sinful thing is doing sexual actions.” I disagreed in silence, but some part of me thought that it made sense, somehow. It made sense that it was considered wrong, sinful, and unnatural, because sex was a procreative act, intended by God for the continuity of humanity—His followers, His people, His children—and the rest of His living creation. Sodomy, then, was a perversion and an insult to this divine intention. My aunt, too, told her son when he came out to her, “Okay lang na bakla ka, basta huwag na huwag lang pumatol sa lalaki!” Even contraceptives and the then

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controversial Reproductive Health Bill were considered as hindrances to the fulfillment of God’s will. It was only after a few years that I realized and understood fully that sex was more than just a procreative act. It was intimacy and pleasure. It was not a mere prelude to nine months and succeeding years of parenthood. It was torrid kisses. It was tongue against tongue and occasional lip bites. It was ardent eyes that stared right at the carnal region of the human soul, yearning for all traces of purity to melt away. Oh, it was more than just the filling of a hole and fertilizing a cell! It was warm touches and hastened breaths through which soft moans escaped every now and then. It was the gentle “I love you” after the dream-like real-life immersion into erotica as you held each other’s hands, feeling the security in the tightness of your partner’s embrace. Should we be deprived of this experience, as well? These teachings, asserting that sex is something that only married heterosexuals should be allowed to enjoy, that its sole purpose is to produce offspring, dismiss the fact that sex and the erotic is also a common manifestation of love. It is part of human nature, of the human experience, just as romance is. And to guilttrip us and force us to swallow their religious ideals—which not all people share (and they do not have to)—to shove us back into their narrow rooms only shackle instead of free, only push us into a flaming pit where we spiral down, being scorched from time to time by the fires of selfhatred, away from salvation, further away from love. I can never forget the days back in junior high when even holding the hand of the first boy I dated felt like a scandal, and so I barely did. Despite the frequent hugs we gave each other in the classroom (and I always got excited when our bodies touched), hand holding felt like a different practice. We were clothed when we hugged. Maybe that was why. It was different from the bareness of the hands. Skin to skin. Oh, how it felt like a sin! I wanted more out of it, though, but the closest and the only time I was able to get something more intimate was one quick kiss to the back of his hand as we wandered around SM one Saturday noon. In senior high, I felt the liberation as I left my

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cramped, old, stiflingly conservative school, and entered one where cultures, ideas, and people from different walks of life converged. It was freedom from (more or less) nine years of imprisonment, nine years of yearning to learn greater things and express myself to the highest degree. I was a bird that could finally fly free, a fish that could swim deeper—explore! And explore was what I did. It was during my senior high years when I had my first, actual taste of the erotic—of my first man—no longer merely masturbating to porn when I was home alone. I made excuses just to justify him coming over, or to leave the house, to visit him—this schoolmate, this young out-of-town artist—and we would hide away and lock ourselves in a room, drowning ourselves in each other’s scent, in kisses, in desire, testing the boundaries, stepping over, stepping back, pushing and pulling like the waves. But always did a certain feeling erupt within me—as it did with the next few men I came across—surfacing only after we had done the ritual, after days of lurking in the shadows: the feeling planted within every little boy that women were supposed to chase him, that he was to have a family of his own, that God would punish him for fornication, for sodomy, and for homosexuality. Thrice as much as I enjoyed moments before, I would suffer right after. It has always been implied that homosexuals thrived in the damp and the dark, on decaying faith and dignity, like fungi bearing mushrooms bright

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enough, enticing enough to seduce the weary and clueless travelers that cross its path. I would wallow in self-disgust, the distress materializing into lethargy and irritation sometimes taken out on my partner. Why am I like this? I would ask myself as I stare absentmindedly into limbo. But much later, after taking classes related to Philosophy, Psychology, and Cultural Studies, I would answer this question on my own: Because I am. Because I am human. I love; I desire. It goes beyond gender. It is a normal thing—a human thing. Whenever Madonna says, I’m breakin’ all the rules I didn’t make, images of them flood my head—the religious and judgmental teachers and aunts, the narrow room walled by obsolete “wisdom” and scriptures mistranslated and taken out of context; I remember the rules and the norms—oppressive, repressive, institutionalized, patriarchal—and how my very existence challenges them. And it fulfills me. It empowers me. I will love and make love, without question and without fail, as I am capable and as I deem it fit, destabilizing the comfort of those who have deprived me of mine, and others of theirs. I take this freedom because I can be free. And I’m not sorry. N

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handa These photos were taken during the first half of my college years. It was when I was exposed to raw human nature, different sexualities and experiences. For me, this was a time of exploration on intimacy and sexuality.

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Photos and text by Sean Xavier Nieva

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Eksplorasyon by Andre Ramirez Gutierrez

Daluyong ng dagat ang pintig na aking naririnig sa tuwing nakadagan ka sa pagal kong katawan. Sabi mo’y pagpapanggap lamang ang paghahabol mo ng hininga’t mangyaring huwag bigyan ng kahulugan ang pagtagaktak ng iyong pawis sa nanunuyot kong labi. Patawad kung nais mo’y hindi maaari sapagkat sa pagsalungat ko’t pagsisid sa kailaliman at kaibuturan ng ‘yong puso, lunan ka ng lunas sa mundo habang nakahiga’t lumulutang sa karagatan ng mga unan.

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Etienne Photo by mynegativefeelings

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Aswang Sanctuary Text by Moonyeka | Photos by Ariel Advincula | Models: Moonyeka and SAMI

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You’ve found yourself between the veil. The gloaming hour bares its teeth, the allure flutter-sticks to your spine. Your sacrum cannot help but butterfly in and out. The glimpse is revealed through the spiral of a conch shell, and you capture with your eyes and your misplaced fear. You peer at the overgrown sampaguita and take your entrance. You were called, but never did you feel ready. Welcome to the Aswang Sanctuary.

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Hubo't Hubad Photos by Efraim Palmes | Post-processed and text by SCREAAAM Model: Karl Bryan Porras

When people ask me "why nude?" I always tell them "I see it as an art"—an appreciation of one's unique features and character, for there's beauty in nudity. An expression and exploration—the birth of Hubo't Hubad virtual exhibit—is a visual study of self-expression through nudity.

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The truth is, living in this country is hard if you want to explore these themes. It takes courage and needs confidence, so when I decided to go for it I think the best way is for me to be the model of my own visions, asking my photographer friends to collaborate with me in bringing my imagination to fruition. I want them to see my art through me, through my photographs. I know it's risky sharing something that the community where I live isn't used to seeing online, but it’s a risk worth taking. The whole Hubo't Hubad experience means so much to me, doing the post processing was really a great journey of finding colors and it's something I'm very proud of.

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Big Belly Ballad by Paulo Lorenzo L. Garcia

I. Stomach in My old shirt is tight around the belly. I am sitting at a table fully aware of the strain of flesh against fabric, and in the midst of friendly barb, someone indicates the burger in my hand. Trade it for a salad, they said and they made goo goo gaa gaas as if this could coax the child out, or perhaps, shame it into hiding. I have grimaced, belted, squeezed, and sucked in hard enough to squish the listless child in. For a moment I fell silent. Then I remember my manners and join in the laughter.

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First movement Artwork by Ma. Bea Alyssa D. Pascubillo

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II.

III.

Truisms of a Fashionista It is a game of lines and pinstripes, vertical over horizontal, a sorcery of shadows, slim cuts of grays and blacks, and an abundance of layers, thin lined sweaters smoothed into a lean, flattering silhouette— A posh illusion easily betrayed with the lift of a shirt hem.

Oolong Twice daily, I look into a steaming cup of mid-brown liquid, which devotees say can exorcise muffin top mishaps into mere funny memories. It is bitter and burns the stomach. I am looking into a half cup of mid-brown liquid. It makes me less flirtatious with generous portions of rice and scrambled eggs. Do you see me smoosh, smash and take feeble stabs at my plate? I am hung up on its bitterness. I am looking into an empty cup. I feel a tightening in my belly, something inside tumbles and turns, then an audible rumbleCould you excuse me for a second?

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IV.

The Man on the screen

Hallway Mirror Meditation No longer quiet, I am an anomaly to the tacit laws of masculinity.

The man on the screen says to follow things exactly as shown, so I throw my hand forward and meet it with a straight kick, one leg after another for sixty seconds. I am swinging my hips from side to side until I can no longer tell left from right or floor from ceiling. I lose count how many times my chin leaves the ground. Then the elbows, toes and back tremble under the heat, beads of sweat trickling down the corners of the mouth. Oh, to keep the face from sinking, to sustain for half a minute more! I am on my elbows and toes, not a step closer to the pin-up ideal decorating someone’s wall.

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I neither offer nor worship at silver screen altars bearing images of the power and prowess of heaving heroes and gods. I am as my reflection says— a man, mortal, round and bumpy in places, cognizant that the space I take is much more than the female hand can handle, that the wriggling and heaving from collar to hem is a harder pull, that between me, my manhood, my toes, and my ribs stands a soft cushion. And when I think of these places, these tiny spaces my might can’t fit in, I revert to silence For there is no louder mantra than a man locking eyes with his own reflection, and in that unwavering clarity, finds neither a twitch in his lips nor a quiver in his brow.

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Sa Pagitan Artwork by Jhon Lex N. Ammong

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Figure One:

I love you by Sakka-san

Don't shut me out, please. Let me in, if you will. Slice your skin, crack your bones, and bare your soul. I want to see all of it. I want to devour it in the most beautiful and animal way I can. I'll eat you up from the inside, but I'll love you too. I'll taste every nuance, every trauma, every joy, every memory, every insecurity, every thought, and every you, if you let me. Then I'll creep in and make myself a home, right at your heart, and I'll fill you to your fingertips. You'll still be you but I'll also be you. You will be us and we will be you. Flesh of my flesh. Bone of my bones. I'll take our ribs and close up its place with flesh, and we shall be one. Let me know you—it's the most human thing I can do.

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Dantay

by Paul Joshua Morante

Tuyo akong talahib Sa pagdampi ng titig Tupukin nang marahan Naghihintay sa dantay

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You sleep well because you know you are loved. Artwork by Chino Carlo

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Room

2411 Text and photos by Kim

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Loud cries filled Room 2411, loud enough that the spacious 2-bedroom suite didn't prevent the screams from escaping its thick walls and echoing in the dim-lit, empty hall. Even the heavy rain didn’t drown out the cries reverberating through the corridor.

Dan, 35, and Mick, 28, have been sharing a dominant-submissive relationship for almost a year at the time of writing. Both developed a keen interest in BDSM early into adulthood, but they didn’t venture into the lifestyle until late 2018.

The suite was tucked away at the far end corner of the 24th floor, almost as if to elude wandering eyes. But the screaming could’ve easily guided any guest into discovering its existence. Good thing no other rooms on the floor were occupied and no attendants were nearby lest there’d be frantic knocks on the door, interrupting Dan and Mick’s rather intense session.

“It was in college when the interest began, but it was when I had work that I started practicing bondage and discipline. Just mild sessions, nothing fancy; no ropes, no toys,” Dan explained, narrating how he and his sexual partners used to play around with neckties and handkerchiefs. “But I stopped when I had a boyfriend.”

Inside the suite’s master bath, Dan sat on the edge of the tub wherein Mick lied, taped immobile. He held burning candles above the young man, the wax melting and trickling down. It hurt when it touched Mick's skin. Every time, he writhed in pleasure and pain. Dan caressed Mick’s cheek as he hushed him, urging him to revel in the sensation in silence. He endearingly stroked the helpless fellow’s ears and jaw and neck, letting him rest for a good minute. Then, he held up the candles, and the boy screamed once more. the chastity issue

Dan and his partner discussed the former’s kink early into the relationship and even tried to introduce some elements of BDSM into the bedroom. “I don’t want normal sex,” was exactly what he told his companion. However, BDSM didn’t work for the two. Late last year, they made their relationship open and the decision allowed Dan to fully explore the practice. Meanwhile, Mick’s curiosity started way back in high school. It was his love for pornographic films that introduced him to the world of rough play and leather action. “I used to watch porn, and there was a time when I was really

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craving for something hardcore. That’s when I discovered the leather genre,” Mick explained. “Soon, I became more interested in slavery and submission.” It took Mick long before giving BDSM a try, almost a decade if you do the math. “During those times that I was studying, I really didn’t have the liberty to meet people whenever I want, wherever I want.” But as soon as he started working and discovering people who shared the same interest, he decided to take his chances. Dan and Mick turned to Twitter to connect with other men interested in BDSM. But while the diversity of the alter community at the time afforded plenty of users that shared the same fetish, connecting with individuals that could satisfy their expectations proved to be a challenge, especially to Mick. “It’s not really choosing per se; it’s more like matching. There are different kinds of doms as there are also different levels of submission. It’s more about finding that dom or sub that meets your preferences and you meeting his,” Dan explained. Mick came across Dan, who already had a few regular subs at the time, on his search for prospective doms. “Most were proposing typical arrangements,” he recounted, but he insisted on indulging in hardcore fun, a genre right up to Dan’s alley. Both decided to meet for some fun, which would then be the first of many. Almost a year into their non-exclusive domsub relationship, there they were in Room 2411, reveling in ecstasy on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Had they not matched, another man could be pouring wax all over Mick’s body or Dan could be tying up another lad. Most of their sessions involve bondage and

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stimulation. That afternoon, prior to wax play, their tryst started with Mick standing still at the center of the living room with nothing but a blindfold on. He could only breathe deeply as Dan slowly caressed his body from shoulders down to the abdomen and back up. Every so often, Dan would brush his hands against Mick’s nipples, to which the lad would respond with sharp gasps. After the warm-up, Dan proceeded to work. Dan believes that his OCD fuels his interest in tying up his partners. “[Bondage] gives you power over an individual,” he explained. And as someone who feels strongly about being in control, he revels in that power. The glimmer in his eyes and the faint smirk on his lips spoke greatly of his excitement and satisfaction as he busied himself with binding Mick. But it’s not only Dan’s desire for dominance that bondage satisfies, but also his passion for art. Dan has always been one to create. He used to explore visual arts in search of the right medium to work with, which he found in shibari. The use of ropes to create beautiful lines and intricate knots on the flesh fascinated both the artist and the fetishist in him. “It would be fun to do a serious rope session,” Dan thought in the beginning. “So I did some research, then I started buying ropes,” and off Dan went, trying different ties on his subs during their rendezvous. After a year of practice, Dan has become proficient in his art. His mastery showed in the way he commanded his ropes, wielding cables with ease to form stunning restraints on Mick’s nakedness. Without a pattern in mind, Dan entwined the ropes around the lad’s bare flesh with the precision of a true craftsman. Once or twice, he would stop to assess his work, caress his subject, and check on his submissive. Then, back to work. That afternoon, Dan looked more than a master to a slave - he had the aura the chastity issue

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of an artist, with the rope as his medium, Mick as his canvas, and the suite as his studio. Dan took more than half an hour to complete his rope work, a bit faster than the usual. Once finished, he stepped back and looked at Mick’s entirety. He circled the helpless lad, pulling the rope here and there as he caressed his submissive’s nakedness. Once satisfied, Dan guided Mick to the sofa and commenced with the stimulation. “Do you like that?” Dan asked as he tickled Mick’s bare flesh with the tip of his flog. The lad nodded, but his response was met with a whipping. “Answer me! Do you like that?” Dan retorted, his voice calm yet firm. “Yes!” Mick cried, writhing as if his skin was burning. Dan continued the flogging, exploiting the man’s lust and vulnerability. Bounded and blindfolded, Mick could only moan as he succumbed to the pain and pleasure. And as if the flogging wasn’t enough for stimulation, Dan added a vibrator massaging Mick’s bladder and a butt plug filling his hole, leaving Mick whimpering in overwhelming sensations. Often, Dan would stroke his throbbing member, making him yelp in further ecstasy. The stimulation ended with Mick’s flesh reddened and his cock oozing with precum. the chastity issue

Dan carefully detached the toys from the lad’s body and assisted him as he stood up. He proceeded to check his sub’s hands, arms, and pulses, something he had done repeatedly throughout that afternoon’s session. “I need to check if his blood circulation is okay,” Dan clarified. “It is my duty as a dom to take care of my sub, especially during a session. My sub is vulnerable physically and emotionally, and he trusts me enough to willingly put himself in that situation.” This explains Dan’s frequent whispering to Mick’s ears, checking how the latter’s holding up and to which was always met with eager nods. While contracts are a standard in BDSM relationships, Dan and Mick don’t have any. “It’s okay not to have a contract in place as long as your relationship is established. In our case, we already know what our limits are. If we want to do something beyond those limits, that’s up for discussion,” Dan admitted. Once the blindfold was gone and the tires were undone, Mick sat in silence as he recovered strength and composure. After a good while, Dan summoned him to the master bedroom. The lad found his dom in the master bath, sitting at the edge of the tub with a roll of duct tape and candles in hand. Both knew that the session was far from over. N

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Paolo Photo by mynegativefeelings

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Yosuke Photo by mynegativefeelings

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raw and unfiltered Photos by Nin

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Quick Sketch #041621 Artwork by Cheng Perez Cordova NOVICE • SPECIAL ISSUE 05

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Real Boys By Xian Oquendo

Real boys don't flinch They don't yelp when their wound open in force I learned that from Richie Aquino When I begged him to teach me how to act like a real boy, back on grade school So when I accidentally snuck my finger in a taxi's shutting door I lost the nail on my index Blood dripped like a leak in a pipe I kept my hand in my pocket and watched the red stain get bigger and bigger It was like a patch of honor in my jeans I didn't flinch, I never told anyone, When my aunt saw my finger the next morning during breakfast It was already sallow, blood turned black She panicked and picked my hand And I didn't cry, I just let the oozing pus scream the tears I had inside I am a real boy

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Real boys don't justify The cooler ones just give a glare and shoot a fist I was on fifth grade when someone picked on me for my voice The gang told me that I speak like a girl I wanted to walk out and finish my soda somewhere none of them could reach But Richie Aquino urged me to punch them Cause that's what real boys do He stood there watching my skin turn red in the sunlight With every land of their knuckles on my pale skin Burning purpler and purpler from the fists of three strangers And real boys don't cry Especially after getting beaten down They just shrug the dirt off their sleeves And act like the glory's theirs I sat there in the ground Picking up my crumbs and the stomped container of my soda I held my tears with might and made a face I was on the verge but I didn't cry Cause that's what real boys do Richie Aquino snickered and laughed Cause that's what real boys do when they see such scene Mock and act like they know better He offered me a hand and said "You punch like you're not a real boy" And I remember letting go the hardest punch I gave in my entire life It ached my knuckle for a week and left him a scar in left cheek "You're not the one to tell me what a real boy is" After that, I flinched I cried I justified

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Jonathan, 2021 Artwork by Cheng Perez Cordova

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Feel Yourself Digital artwork by Danna Catapang

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MADRE by Renzo Q. Prino

Lumalangitngit ang langit sa tuwing napupuwing ang kaniyang mga matang 'di-mapigil ang pagtitig sa lumiliglig na mga bisig ng binatang inip na inip nang nakikinig sa nakaaantok na sermon ng Paring hindi naman makapagliligtas ng kaluluwa.

Tila mapipigtas ang sagradong rosaryong nagsala-salabid sa kaniyang mga kamay sa lakas nang bugso ng tukso't kaluskos ng haplos na sumusurot—pumupulupot sa kaniyang lagpas-tuhod na saplot. Sa tuwing mag-aantada’t mapapalingon ang binata, parang binabarena ang buo niyang kalamnan dahil sa walang-humpay na kislot. Nanunuot, sinusundot maging ang kaniyang espiritu. Nais man niyang tanggalin (tanggapin) sa pagkatao ang bahid ng kamalian, tila lalo lang naghahatakan himaymay ng kaniyang di-mapalagay na pagnanasa at nauumid na sinumpaang panata.

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Lust Artworks by Sean Xavier Nieva

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Disparagement Artwork by Aletheia Guevarra

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Out of the Frame 2 Photo by Alexander Ayson

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SEND NUDES! Digital artworks by Audrey Legaspi Jaylo

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Animal Farm

Digital artworks by Ube Becaro

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not for public viewing Digital collage by Angela Asiño

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Love Hotel Digital artwork by Michael Gabriel E. Bacungan

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puki by Elizabeth Ruth Deyro

Bakit nasa diri pa rin ang diin ng salita kahit linisin pang pilit ang mga titik? Bulong ang pagsambit sa ngalan, buka ng bibig sa bawat pantig ay may bahid ng pagkailang. Walang ingay kundi maingat na paghigop ng hangin at luwa ng hiya habang pinanonood ang sayaw ng sariling mga daliri sa salamin, pagbuklat ng labi’t pagsalba sa salita hanggang sa maging isa ang katawan at salita. Nais kong matuto ng ‘sang wika kung saan ang salita ay hindi salitang ginawa lamang upang isabuhay ang dahas, kung saan ang salita ay hindi katawang binuo lamang upang bumuhay ng dahas. Nais kong matuto ng pagbigkas na panatag, sa paraang hindi batid sa ibang wikang aking alam.

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Within Digital artwork by Danna Catapang

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Crucify Me Digital artwork by Danna Catapang

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Dito Maaari by Joshua Mari B. Lumbera May mga kalungkutan Na kayang pangalanan Gamit ang pag-iisa Ng sariling kahubdan.

Pieces of A Woman Artwork by sarjuantamad

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Dagta Artwork by Daléna

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4-12-4

The Misconstrued Sexual Responsibility by Fiona Cardino

I started becoming sexually active in 2018 alongside the assistance of certain safety measures. And it took me years to agree upon this as someone who has been figuring things out as early as the age of nine. I have been laying out details for the satisfaction of my senses and since then, the wonder of the human sensation never left me. Grateful enough to have the privilege of time and space to learn from all this, I have had the opportunity to seek answers to what I believe is a significant matter to begin with. Besides, sexual intercourse is not mere sexual intercourse. As regards the initial learning phase, a few can be seen to be accidental but the rest were intentional in nature as I persistently attempt to delve into the unfolding mechanism of man’s sexual tendency which I, once, believed would suffice. I felt the need to include this, given that this had a vital role with how I, later on, ended up becoming hypersexual—at least, that’s what I

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thought—and abusing my body by mistaking it as a form of self-care because there was an apparent, substantial amount of fulfillment to it until I experienced having three pregnancy scares in 2019. One which was due to an unwanted initiative, followed by another which was unintentional since the condom broke, and one which me and my partner agreed on. All three occurred with us being occupied with a considerable amount of alcohol. To complete the equation, four pregnancy tests were consumed on my part. Three of which were done via pregnancy test kits and one which was done through a blood test. The first two were addressed with an impulsive intake of emergency pills—following the 4-12-4 unprescribed pattern of pill intake— despite knowing the accorded downside to it and one which was left as it was—an unprotected attempt which I all had alongside the company of my mere curiosity and impatience.

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Looking back, the entire encounter was overwhelming enough for me to narrate the specifics and responses that I had to deal with. In fact, finding the solution to it was the least difficult part. And fortunate of me that it was. But what kept me unease the most was the postencounter—the fear, the anticipation, and the disconnection. I never convinced myself to ponder on these things but for some reason, this question had gotten my attention, “How do I get a grasp of these things when these don’t happen on their own?”. I thought I was the only one responsible. I was made to believe that I was and I knew then that what I was having had to be something I had to regret. Pointing out my several attempts to overthink was enough but making me feel as if it was a sole decision that I had to respond to was something else. The need to reach out became more necessary than it should but I never thought I would be asking for assistance from those who were far from being involved with my situation. Each of the waiting processes that followed one unsafe, sexual encounter to another became an imperative for me to feel more and more than I should have. I have always been vocal about how I take delight in being forced and how it brings the undeniable pleasure to what I do which something I was conditioned into during my early years as a child but it took me a clear, active intent to deliver “no” for a number of times to believe that this was different from the nonconsensual yet consensual force that I once claimed to be rooted in my past. The desire for pleasure became something I had to anticipate. It was too distinct for me to ignore it, hence the irresponsible tendencies that I have managed to project. However, it did bother me knowing that I have allowed the

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temporal need to feel pleasure to overweigh the offer of discomfort that succeeds from all this. The physical burden was one thing but the emotional burden that it had me into became a call for rage and attention, considering how I was only given the option to handle this alone. This raised a lot of questions and concerns on my part, thinking that perhaps this is not as uncommon as anyone may deem it to be because it happens, it did happen, and it will happen. As much as I appreciate the learning part, there remains poor attention being given to how only either of the participants is more positioned to sustain the aftercare procedure encapsulated in what is defined to be a healthy intercourse. Such a claim of aftercare encompasses the awareness of further precautionary measures—which I, upon experiencing one, found to have a lot of risks—that in my case was something that I was very mindful of. Still, I cannot and will not blame myself for being sexually active since it did serve its purpose for me to utilize this as a tool not only to understand more my body, my identity, and my vulnerability but it did help me connect more towards the Other. And it takes a lot of privilege for me to be able to deliver and make sense of this. On another note, if there was something I did regret, it was me being convinced to lose control despite me initially refusing to because somehow I always end up agreeing. I was and will always be bad with equations but one thing I can attest to is that it takes two to sustain a healthy intimacy because otherwise, an intimate relationship that functions in the absence of a collaborative effort and genuine intent to care for, identify with, and deliver toward the Other becomes a selfish act. N

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Anino 16 Digital artwork by France Daffon

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exposed The Nude in the 21st Century by Andre Magpantay

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“A nude has to be seen as an object to become nude.” – John Berger, Ways of Seeing (1972)

The problematique of the nude is found in the idealized image perpetrated through the years in the history of art. It was a long subject in the traditions of fine arts until such time that it was castrated by the conservative notions of the dominant institutions. It went through evolutions in different periods veiled, unveiled, exposed, then covered. In this case, the nude in this essay does not exclusively refer to the naked and exposed body but rather to the existence of the body and what it represents. In the Philippines, during the Spanish colonial period, we transitioned from the nude to the veiled. We juxtapose the image of Maria Clara as the ideal Filipina and the reverse of the nude. Nevertheless, she is still not free from objectification but rather she’s further placed in the pedestal of scrutiny. Meanwhile during the 50s, Darna came to popular media becoming an immediate symbol of empowerment. She was a hero, strong, and kind. Yet, it is impossible to divorce the gender issues in her character as she is still created by a male artist and we see issues on how the image of a woman is presented, "gazed", and objectified. Paglaya't pagtanggap Artwork by Kuting

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It is important to note that the implications of the “gaze”

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in the present still remains. Women are still blamed and punished, and we are still far from integrating a change of perspective and challenging the continuous feeding of the “ideals” and harsh beauty standards as well as destroying the notions of the “body” summarizing one’s worth. Until now, the mediums have only changed, technology increased the proliferation of the “gaze” and subjecting women to the same standards of beauty, with the reward of being given a trophy to be the trophy. The imagery of the nude is very prominent in some products today—in tuna and liquor ads, calendars, magazines, even in pageantry. These manifestations present to us a narrative that is rarely unnoticed and often tolerated. It gives us the dichotomy between empowerment and objectification. The presence of these gender issues especially in popular art and culture is a topic that we need to be critical of as we recognize its importance to individuals and societies around the world as women continuously fight for equality. In 1914, a suffragette Mary Richardson slashed Velázquez's [Rokeby Venus] seven times with a meat cleaver. The action was provoked by the arrest of a fellow suffragette saying, “I have tried to destroy the picture of the most beautiful woman in mythological history as a protest against the Government for destroying Mrs. Pankhurst, who is the most beautiful character in modern history.” Adding, “I didn't like the way men visitors gaped at it all day long.” Rokeby Venus portrays the image of a nude woman gazing at her reflection in the mirror. It was a typical painting in the 19th century with the woman’s naked body as the subject. Such horror of a destroyed artwork of the "most beautiful mythological woman" is surely unimaginable. To immediately judge the action brings us back to how far art is to us like the mythical gods who do not concern themselves with the affairs of men. Quoting another response from Mary Richardson. "...Justice is an element of beauty

as much as color and outline on canvas... If there is an outcry against my deed, let everyone remember that such an outcry is a hypocrisy so long as they allow the destruction of Mrs. Pankhurst and other beautiful living women, and that until the public cease to countenance human destruction the stones cast against me for the destruction of this picture are each an evidence against them of artistic as well as moral and political humbug and hypocrisy." The power of art and the "unclothed human figure" has always been a subject of criticism. One artist, Ren Hang, a Chinese photographer and poet who created nude photographic portraits significantly representing sexuality within a heavily censored Chinese society was arrested by PRC authorities several times for his erotic undertones. What's interesting is how critical and fragile the "nude" is. For once, it is a symbol of "hypocrisy" as women fight for their rights in the society, while men are busy looking at the "beautiful naked body"; on the other, the "nude" represents liberty and freedom, and a protest to uplift the people themselves. The movement on art for social change is truly an important facet on defining what is art, shedding light to important issues inherent in art, and finally changing the lives of people. For at the end of the day, it is always having to serve the people, their lives, their liberties, freedom, love, and humanity. The placement of the "unclothed body" in the pedestal to be admired is a picture of hypocrisy yet not impossible to reclaim. For as long as art does not detach itself from people, it has the power to change lives and start revolutions. However, the exact same power can oppress the same people it aims to serve. We should realize in the 21st century, that the body should be free from the “gaze” and work towards extending not just the reclamation of the nude but also ensuring unconditional equality to the lives of the oppressed in the real word as we fight misogyny, patriarchy, and the class struggles in our society. N

The essay is originally part of the dialogues in Art Studies 193: Gender Issues in the Art taught by Professor Sofia Guillermo in the University of the Philippines Diliman.

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where the moonshine peeps in Artwork by fofofoflo

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katig sa rabaw by Jhio Jan A. Navarro

Katig sa rabaw ang iyong daliri sa aking balat. Dagling nagbubuka, nagbubukas inilalantad, inihahantad ang babaw ng hiwa, ng pagitan. Katig, rabaw kaya palaging mababaw. Ni walang peklat na naiiwan tanging puting bula ang bakas ng silakbo ng dagling paglalapat. Maaaring matutop mo ang aking laman ngunit kahit sa sanlibong haplos ang aking kaluluwa’y 'di mo maaabot. Angkla lamang ang nakasasalat sa kaibuturan ‘di katig sa rabaw.

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The Fool Artwork by Rasheeda Leonna Dela Rosa

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rise and shine Digital artwork by Rawqueno

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Sa May Dalampasigan 2 Digital artwork by Gyubee

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Mornings Digital artwork by Rawqueno

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Almost by Liane Carlo R. Suelan

Have you done this before? Yes. I had always thought of it as pointless; that it was impossible. But maybe this time would be different. I stood there, looking confused as though I had not done this before, as though I were waiting for some sort of command, as though I did not know what to do. I knew what to do. I knew what he wanted. But I always had this habit of playing dumb. He took off his shirt and tossed it on the other side of the bed. He looked at me, smirked, and placed his hands on my hips. By the movement alone of his eyes—scrutinizing bottom to top—and the way he moved his lips—biting it, licking it slowly, clenching his teeth—I knew he was starving. I knew all too well. His dark eyes glimmered with the room’s faint—and only— yellow wall sconce and these eyes no longer resembled that of a human being’s. He eyed me as though I were a wandering prey and he was a wolf who had me in his grip. He was close, so close. I could smell his light perfume. My heart throbbed feverishly, violently, and I was certain he could hear it. Without a hint of hesitation, he pressed his lips against mine, coolly inserting his tongue into my mouth as he lifted the hem of my shirt. He stopped to look at me and smiled as though amused at how stupid I probably looked, then proceeded to pull the shirt over my head and throw it on the bed towards his. Our tongues lapped like waves in harmony to the sounds of the little room—the rattle of the

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aircon, the overused music from the noontime show on television. I closed my eyes as my hands sauntered around his body from his waist to his back to his chest, feeling every inch of him, every curve, every bone and muscle. He led me to the bed, and I laid myself there upon the thin mattress and its white linen as he pulled down his jersey shorts, and, later, his black boxer briefs. I unbuttoned my shorts and pulled it to my legs along with my underwear for him to yank off of me and toss to the side with all our other garments. He crawled on top of me, intertwining his fingers with mine, pinning me down, though I had no intention to escape. I surrendered myself to his will. You’re a HUMSS student, right? Yes. This seemed to arouse him even more. He lowered the lower half of his body so that I felt his manhood on my abdomen as he kissed me without relent. I felt warm. I had set the air conditioning unit to “high cool” and yet our bodies seemed to emit a field of heat that was impenetrable by the cold air. I watched as he started to kiss my neck, to lick it as though melted ice cream was sliding off and I was the cone. I closed my eyes and felt his lips and his tongue go lower towards my collarbone, towards my chest, moaning softly. It always felt good to be pleasured, and as it happened, to close one’s eyes and just feel every caress against the flesh, the light pressure of the tongue and the chill of the trail it leaves in its passing and feel one’s own frenzied heart beating like a caged animal yearning for

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freedom. The longer it kept going, the warmer my body felt as though his touch and kisses fed the flames burning inside me. I wanted him. Then, he stopped, laid himself beside me, and gestured to me to do as he did. And without hesitation, I did. He moaned as my tongue traversed his skin; as I drowned him in my ardent kisses. When I had reached his navel and left my mark there, to which he uttered a deep moan, I glanced at him as he stared at me in anticipation. I knew what he wanted. I descended to his thighs and took him in without an ounce of hesitation. He grabbed the hair at the back of my head and controlled my place. I never liked giving oral sex to other people. It always made my palate feel uncomfortable afterwards, like something was constantly putting light pressure on it. But this time, I thought, it would be worth it. Light, breathy moans turned to deep, louder ones. He felt good. I wanted him to, even if it would cause my palate discomfort. He then raised my head, sat up and gave me one quick kiss before he told me to lie on my back again. I did what I was told. After loosening me up, I heard him spit, and I felt him. Please—slowly. And he heeded my request. He started to move back and forth, and I felt as though I was burning from the inside. Ugh. Does that feel good? Yes. It did not. My legs were on his shoulders as he rocked back and forth, pleasuring himself, and pleasuring me at the same time with his hand. He was hitting my prostate and I could not understand if I were in pain and I wanted him to stop or if I loved it. I had always been the top during sex, taking less, almost no consideration for my partner. I did not care if they felt pain. I did not care if I was going too fast or if they were already clenching their teeth, hands gripping on the bed covers. I barely cared how they felt after I stopped answering their messages or set them on “ignore” on Messenger, as though we never had dinner together multiple times

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since the day we confessed how we fancied each other. So, this is how it feels, I thought. He quickened his pace. We were panting. Our moans grew louder and louder, and I could feel the pressure building up in my cock. Fuck! Our voices were reduced to sharp breaths as I felt a release from my body … and felt his release. It was warm, and I could feel the viscous liquid in my body. He laid himself on me, and I felt his warm breath on my neck. Soon after, we bathed separately. When I had finished washing myself, he was already fully dressed. I clothed myself in front of him as he sat on the bed, scrolling through his phone. When I sat next to him, he asked me how much I paid for the room. I answered him, and he returned to me half the cost. He asked if I would give him my number. He would save me as a “fuck-buddy,” he said. I declined. Luke, I’ll go ahead. Thanks for today. All right. Bye. I watched as he hurried out and I was left alone in the room. The aircon rattled and the television was playing loud commercial jingles, but it felt quiet. My soul felt like it was ringing in silence and that ringing echoed throughout the hollowness. I thought wrong when I thought this would be something different. I thought that if I gave him what he wanted, he would see something special in me—something worth keeping. It turned out that he was just like every other Grindr boy. I almost had him. Did I? Was I actually even close to having someone? Should I even consider it as an “almost” when he was only after the good sex? I paused to think. Ah. So, this is how it feels. N

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on flings and fleeting comforts, the realities of suspended time Digital artwork by Rawqueno

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Penthésilée Artwork by Fanny Fischer

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Flight Risk Artworks by Ube Becaro

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Bilang pagtatapos ng buwan ng kabaklaan, bahaghari, ito ay pagbibigay pugay sa mga kapatid natin sa komunidad na lumaban upang bigyang boses at karapatan ang mga tao na katulad ko. Mga binabae, mga malamya, mga bayot, na nais lamang sa buhay ay magmahal at mahalin ng isang lalaking titignan ka na parang prinsesa, ito'y para sa inyo. Kayo at ako ay may mga kasing tulad na karanasan, minaliit at inalipusta. Ngunit tayo ay may natatanging lakas, lakas na magpatuloy, patuloy na ibahagi ang angking kulay natin.

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Itong sining na ito ay magsilbing mensahe rin na mayroong tao para sa atin, tao na ipararanas sa atin na tayo ay nakikita, at tayo ay may halaga. Akin na siyang nahanap, at ipinapamahagi ko ito sa kanya. Nawa'y kayo rin na mga tulad kong bading, vakluh na gusto lamang sa buhay ay magmahal.

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Ang lalaki ay para sa bakla lamang Digital artwork and text by Timy Santos

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St. Sebastian Artwork by Fanny Fischer

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Hidden Beauty Digital artwork by Ainah Frances G. Tome

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If Death Should Come to Me as A Man by Xian Oquendo

If death should come to me as a man, in a porcelain night of all my ennui; teeth jagged in different appearances of decay; alpha-male-scent percolating tenderly out of his pores; veins bulging in a structured but aberrantly blue arms; face so evil but precious at the same time; wears his noose like a diamond necklace (of course, he is proud of his apocalypse); If he, the death, comes to me I'd dig my nails into his blue skin; amorously kiss every inch of his arms and lick the blood from my nails, touch his lips with my lips like I own his tragedy and feel the rotting temple of his power with my tongue; If he, the death, comes to me— with all the masculinity left in a lifeless but soulful body, I'd love him like the man I didn't and couldn't love on the surface of the earth, with no eyes to judge us; I'd revive his droopy eyes into a tantalizing deep parade of rains; regenerate heat and re-color his skin into a perfect shade of tan; magnificent and mighty; worship every view of his torso; the skins in front of his abdomen and the valleys forming his chest; revitalize every flaw and love the cataclysm that we have made for each other together If he, the death, comes to me— I'd love him like the man I didn't and couldn't love on the surface of the earth. Arousal from his breath and hollowness; I'd write his tombstone for him, it'll say: “the man who is affectionately loved secretly by a fellow man behind brick walls and dark times.” I'd sing a song for him on a deep voice— a voice as deep as a true man's voice, and love, the saints will plead and beg for my forgiveness for the history and words of gods forbade me to love him in front of every human If he, the death, comes to me— I'd love him like the man I didn't and couldn't love on the surface of the earth.

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betrayal Artwork by LC

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sumasamo ako by Joshua Mari B. Lumbera

Dinurog ang palayok Tinipon ang alabok, Iniluwal sa luwad Ang sanlibutang hubad.

Petrone Artwork by Fanny Fischer

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Halo Artwork by Gelo Zarsuelo

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nude Artwork by LC

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a prose by sloane.

purple bruises and umber wounds. ocean waves stretching atop your delicate skin. crow-feather hues claiming spots on the corners of your body. physique in oddity, gleaming with peculiarity. ever wondered why the moon knew us so well? my tongue is of a cheat, but just for once, hear me. the moon doesn't mind if we strip bone-naked as we dip through cold rivers with our fissured backbone and cracked limbs laying all bare under its pale, stolen luminescence, flaunting our collapsing frame like it's not a sordid scene to witness. the moon never minded whatever facade we put into play. it never slurred, never smeared, nor merely looked away as stripped down our pretense. and so, each moontime, we did. a fool, they call me. so for once, enlighten me. who are we to conceal these divine oddities that we all carry to the sight of sol? when did our rawness become such shame in the light for us to cower behind shadows and silhouettes? and who are we to turn beauty into a double-edged sword that stabs both our image and soul? a fool they call me, but with all this inanity, aren't we all? my tongue is of a cheat, but just for once, hear me; if the moon can speak, it would dare tell you how divine you appear with your rawness and genuineness. if it must, it will whisper to you every night time how you wore that frame, with all its oddity and imperfection, looking like a damn warrior; raging with beauty, beaming with fierceness. the moon will whisper over and over every night until you are coward no more, to strip down the facade the dullards sewed for you for their pleasure. after all, without all these marks and stains and not very pleasing frame, who are we?

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Kasawian ng Inosente Collage by Tin Javier

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Golden Stripes Photography and embroidery on cotton linen blend by Ja Turla

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Malago Photography and embroidery on cotton linen blend by Ja Turla

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Wet Sampaguita Artwork by Lennon Villanueva

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I wear Royalty Artwork by Niley Bacolcol

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my holy water by Bee

Droplets of sweat in every turn, with every breath of tiny moans Curls and the stretch the ins and outs coming and going for every round Tight little choke the pushing and pulling now bless me with your Happy Trails, darling.

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SALVAGE Digital collage by Fran Varcas

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Scorpio Artwork by Nadine Flores

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paradise, denied by Nadine Flores

You carried your past under your belt Of the people you wore like trophies For the fondest times in your youth And memories you touch yourself to I was never a prudent girl in my time But I didn't have the same luxury Of having to find who I wanted to be Between the legs of another stranger I never needed someone else's bed To find the pleasure I gave myself I learned how to heal and thrive alone As I spend years in my own company See, the walls we put up differ greatly So we don't crumble the same way And I think I have a right to declare That you shouldn't have unraveled me Just because you were the only one To enter this Garden of Eden I made Doesn't give you the twisted freedom Of calling it a part of your conquest My paradise was never your discovery Nor am I yet another forgotten name In your wretched list of ex-lovers who Only wanted you when they were lonely So for the next time I do invite you in I expect you to take off your shoes And feel the raw warmth of my earth With nothing but your barenaked feet

I never wanted to play second fiddle In a sanctuary I took a lifetime to build Nor to even be reminded I come last In your long history of being desired You will do well to always remember Setting foot in my untamed garden Where no other man had ever been Is an honor that needs to be earned I was always generous with my grace But take too much and you will learn Not to wait for the day that my wrath Forever bans you from this place You will do well to always respect How far much greener my grass is And how absolutely fortunate you are To stand on this side of my walls

I ask you to strip yourself of anything That might poison my flowering trees So that the fruits they will soon bear Would not taste bitter in your mouth

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My Eden by Liane Carlo R. Suelan

Take this, take part of this fruit, dear Adam, my Adam. Take it greedily for it is only you and I in this thicket beneath the trees. Take this succulent fruit I lay before you— only you— for your eyes to behold, for your tongue to savor, sweet upon your lips, heaven upon my flesh as static flows through my bones, through my nerves, the curves of my body— soft as Eden’s powder-white sand— obsessed with your touch. Dear Adam, sweet Adam, partake of my fruit, pick among the peaches and melons of my garden, sculpted and grown by the Highest, that I have saved for only you. Come close to my flowers, pink and blessed by the showers of May: Oh, how they long for your caress! Dear Adam, sweet Adam, let us sing in resounding harmony the song of man forced in and kept! Dear Adam, my Adam, when we are filled, come take my hand. Let us smile and laugh and giggle as we push through the thickets, past the eyes that pierce our souls, to our freedom with not an ounce of regret: Free at last! Free at last!

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Lonely with Me Artwork by Aletheia Guevarra

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sa kaha

by Joshua Mari B. Lumbera

Dinatnan nila tayong Nakahiga sa kahon, Malalamig na upos Na sigarilyong pugot.

SPECTACLE Digital collage by Fran Varcas

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Have A Sip of Lemonade Digital artwork by Laruan

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Change in Form

Transmute

Silence

Artworks by Marfil

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Untitled Artwork by Marfil

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For giving me butterflies Artwork by GALEON

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hindi ako naliligaw by Paul Joshua Morante

kung naalimpungatan ako sa madaling-araw at binulag ng dilim na inakala'y walang hanggan agad kong hinahanap ang iyong hilik at paghinga pamilyar na pamilyar maingat kong idadantay ang palad sa iyong katawan, ibubukas ang iyong mga braso, hahanap ng espasyo. natatagpuan ko ang sarili sa iyong bisig sapagkat pamilyar na pamilyar ang lahat ng ikaw teritoryong kay daling tuntunin, ang init ng hininga, ang balat na paulit-ulit sinakop ng labi ang lalim at lambot ng dibdib ang tadyang na nagkukubli sa iyong puso ang indayog, kurba ng balakang ang iyong mga hita na bukal ng panaginip hindi ako naliligaw sa pamilyar na pamilyar na mga lunan ng iyong katawan salamin kang hindi pagsasawaan, lunduyan ng kalinga at kapanatagan ang guwang sa pagitan ng ating mga hita balon at himpilan ng nasa at luwalhati ng ating namumulaklak na kaluluwa

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Sagrado Digital artwork by Louvia Ramos

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Rebirth of Venus Digital artwork by Nedy Esterdee

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Lantad Digital artwork by Louvia Ramos

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the breaking by Ma. Francesca M. Lingan

I wish a wish to be a nub a hub of eight thousand neurons I kiss a kiss to the above, starfire bellowing, back to the naked sun can you hear a sneer from the appendage, of where you fought away from kababae mong tao / you’re a woman, you can’t be puta / whore can you hear the Break how pussy is a word for strength and the pathetic excuse of a man I wish a wish to be a boy to cloy for your affection become full of ego, and your favorite! thing! to say! get a taste of everything before settling down I miss a miss who knew a love was safe, though just false protection

valid until betrayal occurs like virginity apparently, non-existent

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Wingkag

Katipan

Artworks by Harley Oñes

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Kaugnay

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Kahidlaw

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Perfect the way you are Artwork by GALEON

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salamin by Renzo Q. Prino

Ibig na ibig mong pinagmamasdan ang walang saplot mong katawan sa aking kahubdan. Paulit-ulit, tuwing madaling-araw, naaaninaw kong tumititig ka sa akin nang hindi kumukurap, hindi nangungusap. May kislap ng pag-ibig sa iyong pagtitig. Sa kabilang panig, parang ibig mong hilahin o pasukin ang repleksyon mong hindi nasasalat, hindi umiimik. Tumitirik ang iyong mga mata nang minsang nanginginig mong sinalat ang aking kahubdan habang umaalingawngaw sa kawalan ang halinghing mong nababasag sa pagtawag sa sarili mong pangalan.

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Artwork by ULAP Photo by Stuart Avellana of The Black Store Philippines

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All Men Must Serve Digital artwork by Zel

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The Crowned One Artwork by Ram J Calum

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succubus by Jerecca Jazul

A succubus is in search of a fine maiden to possess and pleasure. Its fire is flaming, ready to heat up a woman’s genitalia. To excite her, to let her touch herself, to fulfill her sleeping carnal. Ready to enter her and bring out her dark, sexual and vixen soul.

The succubus is flaming and wandering around, ready to possess any woman nearby. Its flame suddenly brightens up, sensing the sleeping energy of a maiden, as it flies to an opened window. The maiden is lying still on her bed, wearing a bright red-violet undergarment and a tightlyfitted shirt, which evenly shapes her breasts, her nipples visible through the thin cloth.

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“She is perfect,” said the entity. The succubus caresses her skin, tingling her. She flinched. The succubus crawls to her belly, going south. She felt the sensation. It glides through her right leg, into her underwear. The woman flinches again, her thighs a bit apart. The succubus enters into her, planting itself like the seed of the tree of life. She gasps, her eyes widened from the strange, sudden heat in her uterus, she felt it.

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She feels her insides warming up, sweat starting to form on her forehead and nape. It's like there is a weird combination of fire and ice, tearing her apart. She notices that the heat is in her womb; she never felt such a thing before. She places her hand on her crotch trying to suppress the tingling sensations. As the succubus lits up, she is terrified to see the light inside her. Suddenly it begins to wiggle. She felt it. Her toes curl as she tries to stop herself from moaning. She can’understand the feeling but she knows it feels good. She shuts her eyes, releasing a sigh of pleasure. “What is this? Why am I feeling this? It's unbearable, I can’t stop,” she speaks her mind. The succubus dances inside her, caressing the walls of her lady part. Her vulva begins to tingle. The rush of sensations has called her suppressed demons. She couldn’t stop squeezing herself, closing her thighs, loving the tightness it gives to her love box. Slowly, her right hand starts to move downwards.

sexy, and beautiful as her hips move along with her touches. Her moans echoed in her ears. She loves herself; a thing that she has never felt before. She reaches down into the entrance of deeper heaven where the succubus has forced inside. She touches it with her index finger; it’s a tiny hole—a hole which everyone has based a woman’s worth on for years. But now, for all its worth, it's all hers. She did it. She’s happy. She starts to feel pain in her tightness; she stops for a moment. The succubus lits up again, warming her up, helping to ease the pain. After some time, she gets used to it. As she moves her finger, the succubus dances with its motion, the pleasure increases; she moans and gasps while she strokes herself. Slowly, she felt the juices of her womanhood, smiling with so much delight. “Oh, I can’t...I need more,” the maiden said quietly.

“What am I doing? This feels wrong but I do not want to stop,” these words run through her mind.

Hearing her, the succubus lits up even more. She surrenders herself to the pleasure, her finger moves faster. Deeper. More intensely.

She glides her hand inside her underwear, her warm palm landing on her unexplored part; the one thing she never dares to go to. She gently glides her fingers to her front bottom with her eyes closed; the exploration of her hidden part has begun. She has never felt such dampness and she loves it.

She sits down, spreading her legs wider. She rubs herself with carnal needs and desires. Her head towards the ceiling, mouth wide open, sweat all over. Everything seems to disappear; she feels like the center of the universe.

The succubus continues to glow. Its flame lightening up, warming her up more—to possess her, to explore more. The woman continued rubbing her walls, feeling every friction. Strangely, she feels hot,

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Then her legs start shaking, her vulva throbbing and tightening. “Oh, God!” she screamed. The succubus’ flame dims. Despite her calling God, the succubus is happy for it understands that God is a word for heaven. N

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Dancer in Reverse Artwork by Marfil

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Pecks Artwork by Daléna

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Tilted Artwork by Ma. Bea Alyssa D. Pascubillo

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The Self

A transition of a person’s self-love to barely acknowledging himself.

Affection

Artworks by Jia

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Dissociation

Isolation

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Alyssa Acaylar

Mark Anthony S. Alonzo

Santa Rosa, Laguna

Angeles City, Pampanga

"I'm a Multimedia Arts student. Pencil is my main medium, but lately I've been getting into oil painting and digital art. My work is mostly inspired by Caravaggio. I really love dramatic lighting. I try to stray from hyperrealism, because in my opinion, what's the point of art if you're just making a copy?" Q @gawaniyssa

Lui Alcazaren

A 26-year-old graphic designer and video editor from Pampanga. A proud mixture of Kapampangan and Pangasinense descent. “I love the great outdoors. It gives life to my creativity as I meet people from different walks of life. Creating art is an outlet for me to express and to inspire. My works are the fruit of my deep thoughts and are inspired by social issues and current events.” y /markalonzo1694 | Q @marque.alonzo M Mark Anthony Alonzo

Parañaque City

For Manila-based artist Lui Alcazaren (b.1990), it feels natural to use scissors and scotch tape to derive different words from consumer products. Alcazaren finds the obscene in the familiar. He earned his bachelor's degree in Fine Arts in Industrial Design at the University of Santo Tomas in 2012. This artist takes brand packaging (mostly food) and rearranges them to say something completely different. Most of the time, the end result borders on absurdity, if not, straight up profanity.

Deej Amago San Pedro City, Laguna

"Hi! My name is Deej Amago. I am a 26-year-old media specialist and artist. I was born and raised in the province of Laguna. My drawings are mostly focused on showing intimacy and vulnerability of queer people." Q @djamago

Parañaque City

Mike Alegado is a conceptual and fine art photographer based in Manila. His works are mostly focused on surrealism and fantasy. He likes to make images that contain the human element and form. His style of photography portrays emotions and themes and tell a story in a single image, making the audience imagine a different time and place. He is inspired by nature and man's interaction with it. He loves to play with the idea of a different world if nature took different paths, exploring themes of science fiction and mysterious magical elements. He is self-taught in photography, but having a background in web-designing and Photoshop, he is able to use these skills to create images that can take his audience places with their imagination. E /mikealegadophotography | Q @mikealegado K www.mikealegado.com

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

He writes sensual short fiction between guys sometimes. K johnreydave.carrd.co

Rodmar G. Arduo Jordan, Guimaras

Rodmar Arduo grew up in Jordan, Guimaras and is currently studying at the University of the Philippines Visayas. He writes in Hiligaynon and Filipino. His pieces are heavily inspired by concepts and stories about growing up, existential crisis, love, grief, human connection, and finding beauty in mundane things. Aside from writing, he is also a self-taught graphic artist and illustrator who likes cozy and warm colors. Q @roddycreatives

Angela Asiño

Q @luialcazaren

Mike Alegado

John Rey Dave Aquino

Biñan, Laguna

Jhon Lex N. Ammong Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

"Self-taught traditional artist at nakatira sa Puerto Princesa. Pansamantalang tumigil sa pag-aaral dahil mas piniling sundin ang hilig sa pagguhit at paggawa ng bagay na may kinalaman sa sining. Kasalukuyan ding miyembro ng Guhit Pinas Palawan at sideline ang paggawa ng mga commissions ngayong may pandemic. Kadalasan sa aking mga gawa ay portraits dahil nahuhumaling ako sa iba't ibang ganda ng mukha gayon din sa mga emosyon na nabubuo rito't maging ang mga kwento sa likod nito. Sa kasalukuyan, realism ang pangunahing pokus sa paggawa gamit ang charcoal, graphite, at color pencils at kung minsan nama’y malayang pagpinta gamit ang acrylic paint. Ilan sa aking mga pangarap ay ang maging ganap na estudyante sa kursong Bachelor of Fine Arts, maging isang professional artist at makapaglagay ng sarili kong mga obra sa mga sikat na gallery at museo sa loob at labas ng bansa."

"I'm Angela, a Multimedia Arts student who often experiments with various styles through collages and graphic design. I enjoy making use of classical paintings as subjects in my pieces. I'm also a horror enthusiast." Q @aengelinism

Freniel Austria Solano, Nueva Vizcaya

Gregarious enough for the daily social commerce but introspective when his mind is immersed elsewhere. Q @definitelyfrei

Stuart Avellana Baybay City, Leyte

E /Ammongart | Q @ammongart A freelance videographer and an entrepreneur from Cebu City and the owner of the online store The Black Store. PH. He is a good friend of Ulapanganod who continuously supports the artist's career. E The Black Store. PH | Q @theblckstre.ph

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Alexander Ayson Bacoor City, Cavite

Alexander Ayson is an art student from the Lyceum of the Philippines University - Cavite who pursues different kinds of art. He combines traditional and digital techniques when it comes to the art of drag where he can express and explore his gender identity and expression. He aspires to grow more as an artist and turn his fantasies into reality. E /alex.aysonn | Q @artlexiety D @lunaaalex

Niley Bacolcol Alaminos City, Pangasinan

y /nileybacolcol | E /studiographeen

Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya

Crafted by his great passion for the arts, JerichoEcho “baklArt” U. Fazon is one of the rising artists of Nueva Vizcaya. With his finesse in watercolor, he goes beyond boundaries to explore mixed media as his medium. He also does conceptual and editorial photo shoots. Jericho has dedicated his talents not only for art’s sake but also in trying to mirror social realities and raising awareness to social issues to create change. E /jerichoecho.fazon | Q @jerichoecho.fazon D @baklArt

Ube Becaro Quezon City

Ube Becaro is a biotechnologist originally from Negros Occidental. Away from the lab, he tries to make sense of queer life through drawing various acts of physical and emotional intimacy. His one true dream is to meet Taylor Swift.

Parañaque City

Michael Bacungan is currently a freelance graphic designer and illustrator based in Parañaque City. They love exploring themes that hit close to the artist’s background, more specifically, subjects that involve identity, fluidity, and fashion; overlaid with one another to form their body of work. They dream of working with brands who share their same outlook on playfulness and dynamic forms; they look forward to collaborating with other creatives to build a community that prospers the Filipino creative sector and culture. Moreover, they wish to mentor or help other aspiring illustrators and designers to help guide these young creatives in the process of building their artistic journey.

Tacloban City, Leyte

Ram J Calum is a 2019 alumni of Leyte Normal University with a degree in Tourism, Hotel, and Restaurant Management. After graduating, he pursued arts and became a full-time artist. He embraced art through his hardships in life and this has been his way for his mental health to be stable and healthy. Whatever other people and his family say about the perks of being an artist, he always chooses art and chooses to be happy and content with the life he is in now. He's a selftaught visual artist who focuses on hyperrealism using pointillism or stippling techniques. He has been part of various art exhibits and sold artworks to local and international clients. He's now the president of a local art group called Sinirangan Artists Guild. His art focuses on body positivity, nudity, gender roles, and culture recognition. He also advocates breaking the stereotyping of artists, encouraging talents to be brought out specially in visual arts. E /ram.j.calumbay | Q @ramjcalum

Q D @jubi_lance

Fiona Cardino Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Bee

Las Piñas City

Michael Gabriel E. Bacungan

Ram J Calum

“Hi, I am Babylyn, a psychometrician by profession and an academic writer. Apart from my job, I am also a volunteer psychosocial support provider. l have always been fond of poetries and I hope to have mine (self)published soon. Above all, I'm just here trying to conquer the world!” Q @beenutputterjelly

Fiona Cardino is a Sociology major, focusing on visual experience and experimentation that highlights the spectrum of identity, sexuality, community, and vulnerability. They are inclined to thematic explorations that respond to the non-finality and subjectivity of the self in time and space. As a queer creative, they believe in the practice of narration via imageries by challenging visual forms that allow them to reimagine and materialize a vision into a new sense of physicality and sentimentality.

contributors

Ilocano visual artist in general, but a multimedia designer by day and game developer by night. Niley finished his Fine Arts degree at the University of the Philippines Baguio. He practiced his skills outside the country for seven years. He casually joins international exhibitions when he has available time. He helps brands develop into their own identity. He loves planting, photography, and movies.

BaklArt

w kalansing.tumblr.com | Q @frgcardino

Via Bulaon Quezon City

Lesbiyanang alagad ng sining. Ang kasalukuyang obra ay alay kay ‘D’. Kampaii~ Q @tintanglesbiyana

y /miggiebacungan | Q @michaelbacungan D @michaelbacungan

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Jaycee Casal Pasig City

Carl Lorenz Cervantes

Rum Corvera Bacoor, Cavite

Cainta, Rizal

Jaycee Casal is an intuitive abstract artist and a self-taught creator. She began her career in 2018 as a Junior Architect and has only explored different outlets of artistic expression in 2020. She finds that she is at her most authentic self when she is immersed in creating. The intricacies of each medium—may it be paint, photography, poetry, or prose—allow her to explore the different facets of her identity that she is yet to unravel. Each artistic endeavor she pursues is an unapologetic manifestation of her thoughts, ideals, and emotions. An individual who used to be quiet about her beliefs and thoughts, art became an avenue for her to speak her mind clearly and loudly. Oftentimes, she creates with reckless abandon and only considers each piece as complete when “it feels right.” No rules, no techniques, and pure freedom. Her art practice is a continuous inward journey towards the self, and each paint stroke or photograph is one facet of her identity realized. Q @____jayc | Q @theser.es Q @juliannchristiana

Margaret Casiano Makati City

Margaret Casiano is a photographer and copywriter living with her two cats, Cloud and Sora. She's a woman of few words until after a few glasses of wine.

Carl likes Negronis, psychoanalysis, and the occult. Q @occultpsychology

Chino Carlo

Trece Martires City, Cavite

Chino Carlo is a multidisciplinary artist that considers himself "a child of the internet," thus he dreams to live a life that is as colorful as his filtered Instagram posts. He took a degree in Computer Science at the University of the Philippines (UP) and took a marketing diploma course in Innovation and Creative Entrepreneurship at Thames International. He was the 2019 delegate of Manila in the Young Cultural Innovators Summit in Salzburg, Austria, and is currently taking up Multimedia Studies at UP Open University. He works as a social media manager and moonlights as an interior designer and visual artist. He has more than 30 exhibitions under his belt, his most special one being the solo exhibition he did in Sentro Rizal, London last June 2019. He writes, travels, and takes photos during his free time. He also aspires to be a practitioner that teaches arts in the academe and dreams to start a creative space or gallery in his hometown in Cavite. E /iamchinoa | Q @ iamchinoa C /chinocarloaricaya

Q @margaretcasiano

Danna Catapang Batangas City

Danna Catapang is an illustrator and visual artist from Batangas. She loves to create meaningful, symbolic artworks about human emotions, experiences, and passions. Currently, she is a college student studying Multimedia Arts and Design at iAcademy. Most of Danna’s works are inspired by her own life experiences and perceptions about womanhood, sexuality, and societal issues. She likes to express these themes through the use of symbolisms, flowy lines, dynamic shapes, and soothing color palettes. As an artist, her utmost goal is to make people think and feel deep emotions through the messages and advocacies she portrays in her works. y /artngbubu | Q D @artngbubu

Cheng Perez Cordova

Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

"Ako si Cheng. Isang alagad ng sining na nakabase sa siyudad ng Bacolod. Nagtapos ng Fine Arts major in Advertising. Kasalukuyan akong graphic artist sa isang kompanya dito sa City of Smiles. Nakahiligan ko ang oil on canvas, graphite on paper, digital illustration, mobile photography at mixed media bilang aking mga medium. Bata pa lang ako ay hilig ko na ang lumikha ng kung ano ano, mapaguhit man ‘yan o anumang DIY crafts. Sa impluwensya ng aking kabaklaan, ang sining ko ay unti-unting nagkakulay. Inspirasyon ko sa aking mga likha ang paghanga ko sa fashion, male-to-male sexuality, isyung pang-mental, mga pelikula at musika na tumatalakay dito. Ang sining ay hindi ko lamang pampalipas oras. Ito ay daan ko upang lubos na maunawaan ang sarili at bilang halimbawa rin sa mga katulad kong hirap ipahayag ang tunay nilang pagkatao. Marami akong supresyon, takot, karupokan at inggit na sa sining ko lamang kayang bigyang kulay."

Rum Corvera (b. 1992) creates his mixed media works to paint 2D bold, linear shapes and forms creating depth and texture. These images are awash in classic gold and neutrals. They juxtapose fierce, unrealistic figures with lines and waves proving that beauty is not only in tune with nature. Corvera was a jewelry designer and a closet fashion illustrator. He creates his pieces with a combination of charcoal, ink, and acrylic. He is greatly inspired by many different artists from the likes of Gustav Klimt to illustrator Laura Laine. Corvera was born in the Philippines but was raised in the Middle East. He got his bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Far Eastern University. Shortly after he graduated, he honed his skills in fashion design and illustration at Slim's Fashion and Arts School. In the final year of his training, he won a prestigious national competition on jewelry design which led to his career as a jewelry designer for Hoseki Jewelry Salon prior to being a full-time artist. E /rumcorvera.art | Q @rumcorvera.art M Rum Corvera

France Daffon Cainta, Rizal

France Daffon’s work is influenced by her exploration of the impermanent definition of beauty. The self-reflective process initiates the acceptance of 'what is' and 'what was' without overthinking outcomes and reducing inherent allure of subjects. Cinema, memory, and travel play primal roles in her creative process. Her approach is a response to create a relationship between offbeat solitude and connection. E /francedaffon | Q @francedaffon

Daléna

Cabuyao City, Laguna

Geanne Ramoscreates under the alias Daléna. First love: Dry Drawing. Currently exploring and developing interest in mixed media art. Keeps an art journal. "The world is a big collage." E /nn.shrly.cthbrt | Q @meraki.lena

Q @chengcrdvart | C /chengcrdvart

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Rasheeda Leonna Dela Rosa

Fanny Fischer Quimperlé, France

GALEON

Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro

Plaridel, Bulacan

“Experimenting new styles and trying different kinds of media.” Rasheeda Leonna is an industrial designer based in Bulacan who is now exploring the world of mixed media collage. Q @dbanana.art

Elizabeth Ruth Deyro San Pedro, Laguna

Fanny Fischer is a French graphic designer and artist. Her personal work is centered around the expression of her fantasies and erotic imaginary. Her universe is marked by the search for dream-like images and permanent religious and mythological references. The references to Christian saints and martyrs are very present in Fanny’s work. There is something resembling ecstasy in those bodies abandoning themselves. It is this tension between suffering, pleasure, and death that she focuses on. Finally, she also seeks to show a sexualized vision of the man's body, and therefore, to reverse the roles and codes that are almost always found by default in pornography, where it is the woman who is the object of desire and sexualized. The images she draws appear soft but still denote an underlying tragic story. Q @fanny._fischer | K fischerfanny.fr

C /erdeyro | D @elizabethdeyro K elizabethruthdeyro.journoportfolio.com

E /fallafoxph | Q @fallafox K fallafox.com

Nadine Flores Sta. Maria, Bulacan

Nadine Flores is a writer and a self-taught artist from Bulacan known for her watercolor portraits. While the medium is notorious for its difficulty and unpredictability, she exhibits control and mastery over it by employing realism. Despite her colorblindness, her use of a limited palette perfectly complements her minimalistic compositions— using her art as a tool to speak her mind and paint visual poetry with stark contrasts.

E /anjie.provido | Q @_theonlygaleon M The Only Galeon

Helen Julia S. Galima

Urdaneta City, Pangasinan

Julia is a freelance artist from Pangasinan. Her works are inspired by her own experiences and mental health issues. She aspires to be an inspiration to young people going through difficult times through her art. Her artworks are often colorful and vibrant but contain illustrations of sad people. E /juliajpg | Q @artofjulia_

Paulo Lorenzo L. Garcia Quezon City

fofofoflo is a lawyer by profession. He rediscovered his hobby of sketching when the pandemic hit and the lockdowns started. He had to distract himself from the incessant dings of email and off-time calls by drawing and sketching to "wash the dust of daily life off the soul" (stolen from Picasso).

Paulo Lorenzo L. Garcia is a teacher and a writer. He is currently pursuing his MA Creative Writing at the University of Santo Tomas. Some of his poems are slated to be released in the Points of Contact anthology of The Philippine Collegian. His poems have appeared at The Literary Yard and Revolt Magazine Ph. His essay and creative non-fiction have appeared in Paperkat Books' Quarantined Thoughts Vol. 2, and in Novice Magazine. He hopes to publish a poetry collection in the future.

Q @fofofoflo

E /paulolorenzo.garcia | Q @chasingdestino

Ace E. Enriquez

fofofoflo

Malvar, Batangas

“Art is my greatest passion. Through my artworks I seek to interpret my feelings and experiences—to visually translate events, dreams, and opinions as I see them. I am a self-taught artist. I have been in love with art since I was young. I joined the art scene last August of 2020. It has been an amazing experience that some of my works have been included on some exhibits and group shows in different galleries and online shows. I love to combine things which are not supposed to be together, every image, every character has its own meaning. Each of my artwork tells a story, and the audience may interpret it in different ways. My goal is to make the audience decipher what’s inside all the corners of the canvas, what’s in every little detail of the sculpture, to make them feel what emotions I want to convey. I want my brushstrokes to be visible, I want the patches on my sculptures to be obvious. I like to focus on people, their feelings, their thoughts, and experiences, and express them as surreal as I can.” E /asyongeugenioenriquez E/asyongenriquezart | Q @enriquez_ace

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contributors

Elizabeth Ruth Deyro works as a Lagunabased freelance journalist and writer, covering Philippine art, culture, and current affairs. A former associate editor at CNN Philippines and a fellow at the 2019 National Conference on Investigative Journalism, she has bylines in Art+ Magazine, gal-dem, and Elephant Magazine, among others. In her spare time, she moonlights as a Pushcart Prize-nominated poet and a senior literary editor at Singapore-based arts organization Half Mystic. Her poems have been published by Tilted Axis Press, Gantala Press, Rust + Moth, Hypertrophic Literary, and Panday Sining, among others; performed in BIGKISAN: Pakikiisa sa Kababaihang Magbubukid para sa Lupa, Ayuda at Pagkain; and adapted into film by Bacolod-based director Gkie Erebaren for the group exhibition RETOVADA (House of Frida, 2019).

Angelo Provido, also known by his artist name Galeon, is an aspiring mixed media artist. His works revolve around the themes of emotions, feelings, and the likes, drawing inspiration from songs and emotions. He is quite small for the guys his age but he is totally cute so it's a win-win situation for him (p.s. don't argue lmao). He usually does figure painting influenced by the styles of other contemporary artists such as Kelogsloops, Beyeler Dominic, and others. He aims to be a successful visual artist someday, an artist that is able to bring messages to his audiences as well as make them feel and connect with them.

Aletheia Guevarra Dasmariñas, Cavite

Aletheia G. Guevarra is a Multimedia Arts college student who takes interest in many creative disciplines, which leads her to becoming a "jack of all trades, master of none." Q @eyaaah_arra

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Andre Ramirez Gutierrez

Tin Javier Naic, Cavite

Jimzi

Cabuyao City, Laguna

Quezon City

Si Andre Ramirez Gutierrez ay isang manunulat na tubong Quezon City na kasalukuyang nag-aaral ng Malikhaing Pagsulat sa Filipino sa University of the Philippines Diliman. Naging fellow siya para sa tula sa 7th Angono National Writers’ Workshop, 2nd Cavite Young Writers’ Workshop, at LIRA Poetry Clinic 2018 at 2020. Nailathala na ang kaniyang mga tula sa Liwayway Magazine, Lóngos IV zine, Lakbay: Mga Tulang Lagalag, Baga: Mga Piling Tula mula sa LIRA Fellows 2018, at Katitikan Literary Journal of the Philippine South. Maaaring mabasa ang kaniyang mga akda sa www.andrergutierrez.wordpress.com. Kasapi siya ng LIRA at Cavite Young Writers Association. E /sining.argutierrez/ | Q @andrergutierrez K andrergutierrez.wordpress.com/

Gyubee

Aglipay, Quirino

An artist who spends his time and energy drawing pretty boys. Q D @gyubeez

Isagani San Juan City

Isagani paints naughty boys inspired by queer men of Asia and the Philippines. His art aims to explore his personal kinks and fetishes, and destigmatize eroticism in visual art. Q @__isagani | D @__isidro

Tin Javier is a collage maker and mixed media artist from Cavite. With her love from things of the past, she finds inspiration through indigenous people, historical themed art, and current events. Her art involves reusing grocery bags, stamping and crafting using punchers, to also promote her environmental advocacy. y /tinjavier | E /collager.tin Q @collager.tin

Audrey Legaspi Jaylo Pasig City

"I spill colors when my words fail." A De La Salle College of Saint Benilde student taking up AB Diplomacy and International Affairs while passionately creating art and design and enjoying being an athlete playing five sports. She loves to express herself in different fields. Artist at People May Vary Writer and creative at Metroscene Magazine Creative at The Butterfly Effect PH Creative Director at Leaders In Diplomacy Creative Head at Benilde Arts Management Creative Head at PH. Paraluman Executive Creative at Sustainable PH Youth Graphic Artist at Salig.PH Graphic Designer at The Benildean E /audreylegaspijaylo | Q @audreyjaylo D @artmares

Jerecca Jazul Aroroy, Masbate

Jimzi is a third year Industrial Engineering student at the Pamantasan ng Cabuyao. His influence in art is an amalgamation of both traditional approach and contemporary art style, creating sharp textured works. He is known for his detailed portraiture for all of his subjects. He is an active member in their art community, Juan KaSining. E /jimz.abecilla.3 | Q D @jimzabecilla

Kaelito

Sta. Ana, Manila

Kaelito is a 21-year-old illustrator who loves to create socio-political themed artworks. He is a Literature and Cultural Studies major at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. He is best known as the go-to maker of publicity materials in his organization and in academe. A proud bisexual. An Aries who is always passionate about what he is doing. A game changer. A leader. Q D @hellokaelito

Kae Mara Las Piñas City

Kaye Cee Ablat, also known as Kae Mara, is a 20-yearold self-taught artist based in Las Piñas City. With a medical course to finish, she still continues to explore and pursue her love for the arts during her free time— whether it’s through making digital art, painting on tote bags, or filming YouTube art videos—just to keep the fire burning. Her art is defined by her vibrant color palette and playful doodles which capture the artist’s childlike and bubbly spirit. Using art as her form of expression or voice, most of her subjects include feminism, body positivity, and politics. E /kaemaraa | Q @kae.mara | M/c/milkaewae

"Tulala ako kasi iniisip ko kung bakit ako tulala." (Blue, 2018)

Jaimielly Las Piñas City

"I am a freelance illustrator and multimedia artist primarily focused and interested in highly personal and introspective drawings and paintings." Q @jaimielly | Q @somesummerevenings E /humanfilmjournal

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E /pandak.2801 | Q @blue_jazul D @blue_doldrums

Kim

Quezon City

“My name is Jia. I go by the name of Semiox on my social media accounts, mostly on Artstation and Instagram! I'm an art director and a comic illustrator. Most of my works have been aired on TV and on YouTube such as the ‘Alaala by rico blanco x Imperial Blue.’ These are my works that I have exhibited and published in Japan as well.”

im is a young artist with a passion for telling stories K through written and visual arts. A copywriter and editor by trade, he uses his creativity, industry knowledge, and writing expertise to support businesses in conveying brand propositions and engaging target audiences in the digital sphere. Kim also immerses in the arts of filmmaking and photography. As the creative consultant, director of photography, and master editor of the independent film group 4:13 Productions, he brings to life thought-provoking stories through captivating motion pictures. With Undressing Andres, his ongoing photography and blog project, he explores homoeroticism within the local community through nudity, portraiture, and creative writing.

Q @semiox_ | K www.artstation.com/semio K andrajiax.wixsite.com/jia-portfolio

Q @undressingandresph K undressingandresph.wordpress.com

Jia

Caloocan City

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Kuting

Binangonan, Rizal

Justine May Estacio, aka Kuting, is a self-taught artist born in Jala-Jala, Rizal. At the age of 16, she started using art to escape and express herself to others. As she grew up, the enthusiasm in her heart to chase his art career grew fonder. She's currently taking up Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering while continuing her passion in the arts. She kept exploring different mediums to find out the perfect medium that describes who she is as an artist. After four years of exploring, she decided to settle with watercolor, but now, she’s also studying oil painting. Initially, her goal is to make realistic paintings, but in the midst of her journey and having different realizations in the art field, she's now settling on making nude art to show her appreciation for the human body. Most of her artwork was exhibited in various online art exhibitions. E /art.of.kuting | Q @mariajustine_ K pahiyasart.com/artist/justine-estacio

Mandaue City, Cebu

Kean Larrazabal, a pop surrealist artist based in Cebu. Originally from Iligan City, where he had his early years of being an artist. He eventually moved to Cebu to continue his studies as well as to get a wider audience while trying to find his own style by gaining experience from his current course in the arts. He has been featured in various publications and is also actively participating in numerous exhibits. His artworks are known for their cut out cardboard, transforming discarded materials into works of art. His artworks are mostly focused on social issues and are inspired by allegories from various stories of the streets, showing his care for the life around him. Kean also founded SUGID ALAMPAT, a group of aspiring young artists from Cebu. Their group aims to highlight the importance of art in dealing with all types of issues especially in this time and age of social media.

Mandaue City, Cebu

LC Faeldonea is an illustrator and visual artist based in Cebu. His interest in art started when he was a little kid, drawing anime and portraits he saw online. He is a traditional artist who primarily uses watercolor and gouache. His body of work comes from thoughts and emotions which he can't express through words, combining themes of love, growth, and innocence. His body of work depicts life experiences and a fascination for intimacy, sometimes with a dark twist to it. His work is inspired by the intimate world and observations from his daily life. The goal for each painting is to give a sense of familiarity to his audience; achieved through mood, symbolism, and neutral palettes that give off a warm and settling feeling whilst giving the painting the sentiment it is meant to convey.

Toledo City, Cebu

Ma. Francesca M. Lingan Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

Francesca is a 22-year-old poet and creative director of ‘Yavu Collective. Born in the hottest city that is Tuguegarao, she writes to fathom as much as burning hearts, her body, women, and love—or how they break so often instead. She believes her early exposure to nursery rhymes and Adarna children’s story books were what paved the way for her infallible love and curiosity towards words—and how they save her. As of writing, she is also a candidate for the degree, Master of Arts in Language and Literature. E /francesca.lingan | Q @francescalingan M Francesca Lingan

Joshua Mari B. Lumbera Cabuyao City, Lagunaa

20-something illustrator who loves halftones, my wacom is my best friend.

Laging tumutula tungkol sa kaniyang lumalabong pagkabata.

y /laruan | E /laru4n | Q @laru4n

E /joshua.lumbera.3 | D @boomvain

the chastity issue

Nasugbu, Batangas

Andre Magpantay is a student of Art Studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He also studies international culture and languages. He writes literary and academic pieces and creates visual works using photography and new media. His latest collection is the Salvaging the Mundane, tackling the artist's response during the COVID-19 pandemic. E /dredredreeee | Q @real_ndr e andremagpantay.wordpress.com

Jas Percival Mamanta Taguig City

Q D @lcfaeldonea

E /Keanlarrazabal | Q @keanlarrazabal

Laruan

Andre Magpantay

Japs is a nomadic style artist who switches from drawing and painting, to photography. He aims to let the viewers see the kind of story his images fill and let them feel the breathing and similar atmosphere that has taken place at that exact moment. Lifestyle, landscape, and street photography are the subjects he captures. y /japsmamanta | E /jasparzival Q @jasparzival

Marfil

Santa Rosa City, Laguna

Paul Alfran Marfil is a visual artist based in Laguna. He studied painting at the University of Santo Tomas. His work depicts minimal orientation of a figure to suggest emotion and expression that stems from experience, knowledge, and observation. His themes also coincide with Carl Jung’s Individuation, Liberation of Oneself by Diogenes, and Stoicism of Zeno. His art was influenced by the modern artists such as Matisse, Rodin, Soutine, Schiele, Klimt, Kokoschka, Cezanne, Gaugin, Monet, and Seurat. His use of color explores the extent of its potential. Harmonizing the complementary colors and creating the non-immediate perception to form a figure.

contributors

Kean Larrazabal

E /alfran.marfil | Q @paulmarfil

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Markus Mathew Quezon City

Markus is a disability and development worker who loves to eat cereal out of wine glasses. In his free time, he takes photographs of his friends and of beautiful things—on film. Q @sadgutterboi | Q @sadgutterfilm K www.markusmarkus.com

moonyeka Seattle, Washington

“My name is Moonyeka. I am a non-binary, Filipinx femme movement-based storyteller. Amongst many projects and collaborations, I direct the LIL BROWN GIRLS CLUB, a movement-based mentorship program for young girls of color. I am also one of Velocity Dance Center's creative residents for this upcoming season. I am the reigning deity of the $lut Sanctuary where you can call me Goddexx and the lead visionary of Aswang Sanctuary. My offerings call upon the lineages of erotic knowledge from various lived experience within the SW industry, performing arts, and Aswang guidance. I open containers and portals that center sensually sacred, erotic, and body experiential healing spaces, especially for the communities that have raised me. Aswang is an umbrella term for various shapeshifting, mythological, animist, folkloric, 'evil' spirits, and creatures in Filipino folklore.” Q @m00nyeka | Q @aswangsanctuary Q @4toph | Q @11abundance11 K msha.ke/moonyeka

Paul Joshua Morante Cabuyao City, Laguna

Si Paul Joshua Morante ay tubong Cabuyao, Laguna at kasalukuyang nagtatrabaho sa isang BPO company sa Makati. Siya ay kasapi ng Sunday Writing Class, isang komunidad ng mga manunulat sa Cabuyao. Kasapi rin siya ng mga organisasyon na The Storytelling Project at naging parte ng Palihang Rogelio Sicat at resident artist sa Global Grace Air Philippines. Hilig niyang maglaboy sa mga aklatan sa lungsod. E /pauljoshuamorante

mynegativefeelings Quezon City

Sean Olalo is a queer visual artist originally from Cebu. He discovered film photography at an early age and continues to express and process his emotions through his beloved medium. He explores vulnerability by incorporating origami butterflies and flowers in his photos. He has shot for Tiediet and Dr. Martens PH brand campaigns. He has also photographed other queer artists and was involved in a tribute show named Casa Azul in Bacolod. Some of his recent work has been featured in the 2020 Pride edition of Canvazine. He was also part of Jeckree Mission’s A Shot of Impulse, a section in the Proto/Para: Rethinking Curatorial Work exhibition at the UP Vargas Museum. Q @mynegativefeelings

Nin

Sibulan, Negros Oriental

"I'm Niña Teriapel, 23. Originally from Quezon City but is now living in Negros Oriental for about five years now. I am a Mass Communication graduate. Having an artistic father, I often find myself fascinated in everything relating to visual art as a kid. I started doing paintings and I eventually fell in love with photography in elementary school. I now work as an events and portrait photographer for almost 3 years now. I love to always incorporate flowers in my personal project shoots." E /ninanunanin | Q @ninanunanin

Harley Oñes Quezon City

Jhio Jan A. Navarro

"I immortalize human experience." A /harleyschuyler

Bago City, Negros Occidental

Jhio Jan A. Navarro is a fellow for poetry on the 14th Palihang Rogelio Sicat. His poetries have been published in various magazines, anthologies, and journals like the Hong Kong-based Voice and Verse Magazine, Philippines Graphic, Liwayway, and Katitikan.

Xian Oquendo Pandacan, Manila

Xian Oquendo is a free-spirited writer and camera-person from Manila. His passion connects facets of poetry and visuals.

Nedy Esterdee

E /xianjvoquendo | Q @xianoquendo

Bacoor City, Cavite

“I'm Sydney Monterde but my artist name is Nedy Esterdee, a name given to me by me. I am a selftaught artist specializing in traditional and digital illustration. My focus is on the art of portraiture where I am able to display the rawness of human emotion and its varieties.” y /nedyesterdee | E /sydmonterde Q @seedkneee

Sean Xavier Nieva

Ma. Bea Alyssa D. Pascubillo Iligan City, Lanao del Norte

"I am a self-taught visual artist, graphics and product designer. My works in watercolor explore the possibilities of the female form beyond its sexual and cultural representations seeking a near spiritual experience in the celebration of the body and femininity." E /MariaBeaAlyssa | Q @pimientomori.art C /mariabeaalyssa

Tondo, Manila

Xavier is an Information System student just trying to get by. He is a member of the De La Salle University's Malate Literary Folio (MLF). His works are mainly film photography, some of which are published in MLF. Recently, he is trying to explore digital art and intimate subjects. Q D @sanitaryglans | Q @xavieriguess

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plrssgbn

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

Polaris Sagabaen is a photographerand videographer from Nueva Vizcaya. He likes taking random pictures of almost anything, from portraits to landscapes, and turning them into more dramatic photos that connect to the emotions of his audience. As a creative, his goal is to tell the world that no matter how small things can be, there is always a story to tell.

Redge Quezon City

Redge Tolentino writes, works out, and believes people are verbs, not nouns. E /Reijinct | Q @scoce9

Sakka-san

Q @polarissgbn

Malolos, Bulacan

Renzo Q. Prino Pasig City

Q D @rnzprn

Louvia Ramos Pililla, Rizal

Louvia Ramos is a 21-year-old artist based in Rizal and a graduate of Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication at the Philippine Women's University. In her practice, Ramos specializes in socio-political themes and self-expression of art forms. She uses both traditional and digital mediums to engage in multi-disciplined platforms. She usually integrates the popular, personal, experimental, and independent methods of art to identify her creative style and to tell significant situations in her generation. y /RamosLouvia | E /akosilubeya Q @akosilouvia

Rawqueno Quezon City

Rawqueno is a persona created by Albert Raqueño that serves as an extension of his works that magnify longing and intimacy, with extra focus on his exploration of sexuality, attraction, and physical affection that comes with human interaction. It is a continuation of his fondness for evoking strong feelings through color and texture. Q D @rawqueno

Iligan City, Lanao del Norte

An extremely awkward and incredibly anxious person who takes photographs to tell stories from her point of view. Q @solitaryhues | Q @sarjuantamad

SCREAAAM

Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte

Sakka-san is keeping you warm by lighting herself on fire.

'til death, we do art.

Q @the.woman.in.the.writing K sakkasan.substack.com | K ko-fi.com/sakka_san

E /screaaambykarlbryan Q D @screaaam_tdwda

Iko Salas Mandaluyong City

Iko Salas a.k.a artegoph is a multimedia artist by profession and a homoerotic queer artist by passion. He takes passion-driven photographs that showcase representation of the different people in the spectrum.

sloane.

Angeles City, Pampanga

A youth who carries her reverie like a switchblade and is currently building a whole art museum out of her spiderweb-cramped bedroom. E /wth3rin | Q @bye.saturn

Isang manlilikha na lumalaban para sa pagkaka pantay-pantay, Lumilikha para sa sarili Lumilikha para sa kapwa Lumilikha para sa bayan Q D @photographiko | Q D @artegoph

st. ninotchka Makati City

A 23-year-old graphic designer and illustrator exploring various mediums and art styles.

contributors

Nagtapos si Renzo ng kursong AB Filipinolohiya sa Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila at kasalukuyang chat support sa isang BPO company. Naniniwala siyang nakapagliligtas ng buhay ang tatlong bagay na ito: aklat, pelikula, at jigsaw puzzle.

sarjuantamad

Q D @st_ninotchka

Timy Santos Marikika City

“Hello there gals, the gays, and hot men UwU. Me name's Timy, a local gay folk. I would say I am a charmer, has a gorgeous lips that afams can't get enough of. Thank you for this opportunity as Lynn from Las Vegas once said, ‘this opportunity, maybe for you,’ and I felt that. As an artist, the many things I have experienced in life, things I want to do in life is an inspiration for my pieces. The things I feel, the things I see, people I meet and have met, are beacons to set my works ablaze. I'm still building an image for myself. I'm still crystallizing my art style. I'm so happy with where I am now. My interests in music, artists, things, films, these are all catalysts that made me whole as an artist. In the many manifested dreams I had, I would only dream for two things, have a hot man for my life and a successful and bearing art career where I can provide all my needs and the people around me. I could be a mess, but I want to be a hot mess, and that's on periodt.”

Subhelic Ormoc City, Leyte

Subhelic is a visual artist and graphic designer from Leyte. y /subhelic | Q @bysubhelic

7 /timy21 | E /timothy.santoscera Q @timysantos

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Liane Carlo R. Suelan

ULAP

Tee-Jay Vinarao

Baybay City, Leyte

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

Davao City

Liane Carlo R. Suelan studies at the University of the Philippines Visayas under the Bachelor of Arts in Literature program. He hails from Davao City. He has been a fellow to the Davao Writer’s Workshop and has works published in Dagmay and, just recently, Katitikan. He attributes his skills in writing to authors such as Chekhov, Dostoevsky, Poe, and Yeats, and his interest in literature to his junior high school English teacher. He hopes to become one who inspires change through writing, heightening social awareness, aiding in the discovery of the self, and telling stories that would encourage others to bring forth their own narratives, as well. He hoards books and spends too much on shopping. Besides writing, he sometimes practices his painting skills by recreating the works of Van Gogh. He adores carabaos, dogs, and similar animals. E /ComradeCarabao | Q @comrade_carabao

Tard

Valladolid, Negros Occidental

Binatang may pangarap sa buhay. E /dotordo13

Ainah Frances G. Tome

Ulapanganod, mostly known as ULAP, is a visual artist originally from Albuera, Leyte. He is now based in Baybay City, Leyte mastering his craft and pursuing his passion. His various artworks and murals can be easily spotted in the streets of Baybay City, creating a sense of beauty to a plain wall and adding soul into it, painting empty spaces and giving it life. E ULAP | Q @ulapanganod

Fran Varcas

Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

Fran Varcas is an artist and a writer. Her background as a student of Architecture has helped hone the technicalities in her art, but her heart is set on learning the explorative ways of mixed media, specifically of paper assemblage and collage making. From repurposed papers and photographs, she weaves new narratives and illustrates black hat perspectives—using both analog and digital collage as a new approach to storytelling. She has taken part in exhibitions at the Orange Project since her artistic beginnings in 2016. She is also the founder of Pulp Projekt, a crafting and journal-making passion project that started early in 2015. To date, she is a member of the Manila Collage Collective since 2020.

E /artemices | Q @artemices_artsandillust

Ja Turla Imus, Cavite

Ja Turla is a 27-year-old freelance artist who juggles traditional and digital art. She's been battling her Bipolar I disorder with the help of medication, therapy, and most of all art.

Q @tibakla

Yawmie

Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

Yawmie, an artist residing in Nueva Ecija, is a character design enthusiast and a proud queer who aspires to tell his and other people's experiences through illustration. Q @yawmie_ | Q @_yawmie_

Q @pulpprojekt | Q @freefrannyyy

Gelo Zarsuelo

Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte

“I'm Ainah Frances Tome aka artemices. I'm an illustrator based in Dipolog City. My passion for art is very strong and I want to do freelancing in the near future. I mainly do traditional art but I started doing digital art recently. My artworks are all random because they are based on things that inspired me the most. This year, I plan to take this path seriously. That's why I constantly practice to improve my artistic skills and to show better quality artworks.”

"The global health crisis has unveiled the socio-economic and political struggles in the country that pushed the Filipino masses to persist on their reverberant calls on anti-fascism, anti-imperialism, education, and national sovereignty. During these hard times, 'art for art’s sake' is not pragmatically possible in essence as the contradiction of ideologies brought by the political climate pierces through the frailties of apathy and neutrality. Thus, my modern take on the arts has the objective of arousing the broad mass to organize and mobilize themselves through standing in line with the marginalized. It has a pellucid objective on social, political, and economic elucidation to break the frailties of apathy on virtual platforms and threshold arousing, organizing, and mobilizing artists and even social media platforms users."

Kalibo, Aklan

Lennon Villanueva Quezon City

Songs to have sex to. Take a listen: 1. "Dahan-Dahan" - Maja Salvador 2. "Kiss it Better" - Rihanna 3. "Body on Me" - Rita Ora ft. Chris Brown 4. "I Feel it Coming" - The Weeknd 5. "Burning Desire" - Lana Del Rey Lennon is an artist and designer based in Quezon City. He graduated from Ateneo de Manila University in 2020 with a Fine Arts degree in Information Design and a Loyola School Award for the Arts (Graphic Design). Book him—for graphic design projects and collabs.

Queer visual visionary. Aklan-based artist. Dreamer. E /gelo.zrsl | Q @gelozarsuelo

Zel

Quezon City

Filipina illustrator with female-centric POV on liberation, empowerment, and sexual freedom. Q @_zelaru | M zel christine

Q @lennoncentron | Q @lennonvillanueva D @nonvillanueva

Q @emo.broidery

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Komiks ni Budong

E /budongss | Q D @budongss